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  “Oh boy, we may actually have done it,” said Daniel.

  “Let’s not count our chickens just yet. We still have to wait for the independent audit and verification,” said Melanie.

  “She’s absolutely right,” said Jean. “Besides, there’s a bunch of tests we still have to run and rerun, starting with this one, and there’s no point in waiting until after we analyze the data. We can do that while this test repeats.

  “As soon as this sample reaches ambient temperature, immediately restart the program to run another complete cycle. Touch nothing, and if that’s successful, run a third repeat cycle. Let’s see if there’s any price to pay for a multiple refreeze and thaw.”

  Daniel was looking at his watch, silently mouthing numbers.

  “Okay,” he said eagerly. “It won’t reach ambient temperature until 07:30 tomorrow morning, and, based on the first set of data, the program’s wind-down process should finish about eleven minutes later. I can set the program to start automatically at 8 a.m. That way, it should be fully completed around 10 p.m. Monday and ready for us on Tuesday morning.”

  “Do it,” Jean said with determination. “But,” she added, “with the impending arrival of the audit and verification team, I don’t want us to waste any available time. I want that test analyzed the moment it completes and the third repeat program started, which means pulling an all-nighter. Daniel, you’ll be first up on that one! We don’t have enough equipment to run concurrent samples—well, not yet anyway, although I’m sure that is going to change very soon. Load this set of data on a memory stick, will you? I want to study it tomorrow at home.”

  “Already done,” said Melanie, handing a stick each to Jean and Daniel. “I’ll be doing the same.”

  Daniel, who had already surmised that he’d get the short straw, pouted his lower lip, and with a feigned little boy lost voice said, “Can we go home now, Mommy?”

  Jean smiled. “Yes, Daniel, we can all go home now.”

  Jean made it home by ten. The short journey from the lab hadn’t even registered, as her preoccupied mind was racing about the data they had captured.

  As she entered the hallway, she could already hear the low, rhythmic snoring, telling her that David was already home and asleep. She quietly went into the small front study that they shared and set up her laptop, eager to get started. Five minutes later, she was in front of her screen, coffee in hand, and scrolling through the reams of information.

  It was three thirty in the morning when she finally leaned back in her creaking office chair. Having confirmed the data, she felt giddy with excitement. Had it not been for her need for sleep and the ache in her bladder calling for the bathroom, she would have probably gone through it again. She closed her laptop and went upstairs.

  After quietly bathing, she slid gently into bed beside David. She was sure he was aware that what she was doing was sensitive. She hoped he would understand. She had even thought briefly about waking him to tell him, but as her head sank into the soft downy pillow, the chance to wrestle with her conscience quickly faded and she fell into a deep.

  ***

  The following two weeks saw endless meetings and phone calls. The late nights were becoming the norm, and Jean was looking more exhausted as each day passed. She hoped it would settle down a little after the audit and verification team had done their thing, and she could finally tell David. Late nights and secrecy hadn’t helped the pressure they were both feeling, and it was starting to impact on their otherwise idyllic relationship. They were both uncharacteristically argumentative, especially when David excitedly spoke of his progress in the nano lab only to be met with silence. She felt guiltier every time, but also knew that she would only have to endure it a little longer. In the meantime, she had other pressing things on her mind.

  Given the constant supply of additional new data, it was assumed that confirmation of findings would be a formality, so Jean had been occupied with the administration involved with the re-prioritization of the project and the exponential growth of her team that would inevitably follow.

  She knew David had gone through a similar process, but, again, she was frustratingly bound to secrecy, and as much as she wanted his help, couldn’t ask. At least she took solace in knowing that he was equally busy with his rigorous nano growth program that had all of the farm jumping around. Luckily, the help she needed was at hand at ACR.

  Dr. Guy Bolton had been in post for six years after accepting a promotion and transferring in from a small sister facility in his home city of Montreal to head up ACR as Director of Operations. His field of expertise was confined to industrial applications, although he was considered a ‘good all-rounder’ within the small, cryogenic world.

  His easy-going nature and managerial experience had made him the perfect choice to head up ACR, and he was well respected by all at the facility. Guy had been instrumental in expediting Jean’s project and had stepped forward to provide some much-appreciated support, advice, and guidance with the now ever-expanding workload.

  Jean sat opposite Guy in his office looking around at his ice hockey trophies and pictures that she’d never really paid attention to before. She realized the brown-haired, athletic figure in the center was actually him. They had spent most of the day going through a lengthy document that outlined a new lab layout and equipment that would be capable of handling the project, and she was feeling tired.

  “This is huge, Guy,” said Jean as she sat back in her chair. She always felt comfortable in Guy’s office. “And what about the cost! With the new equipment and additional work stations, my team will quadruple. It’s a lot to handle.”

  “That it is,” said Guy sympathetically. “I wouldn’t worry about the budgets. That’s my forte. The project warrants it, and besides, once the new lab is up and running, any day-to-day management will be handled by the newly appointed section leaders after the restructuring takes place, and that will definitely free up a great deal of your time.”

  “I hope so,” said Jean, resigned to the impending growth. “I’d hate to get so bogged down that the actual research suffers.”

  Guy smiled. “Actually, I think you will find the exact opposite happens. You have a strong team behind you already, and I happen to know that at least three of them are chomping at the bit to get their teeth into running their own sections.”

  “Daniel, Melanie, and Beatrice,” said Jean without hesitation.

  “There you go. You’ve already answered your own question. I’m expecting their appointments to Heads of Departments to be confirmed this week.”

  “So they’ll finally be on par with me,” stated Jean.

  “Not exactly,” said Guy. “As of tomorrow, you’ll be joining me as Co-Director of Operations based in your new lab complex. The promotion came through just before you arrived.”

  Jean was smiling. “Wow,” she exclaimed, “now I know what they meant when I was in DC. What if the test confirmation doesn’t happen? There’ll be plenty of eggs on faces.”

  “Let’s put it this way,” said Guy, “are you confident in your team and your data?”

  “Actually, yes, I am,” she said, slowly nodding.

  “Good, the verification team will be here in the morning. They’ve been in the loop almost on an hour-by-hour basis, so I don’t think they’ll be here for very long. In fact, I would imagine they already have our answer, and this is a just a chance to look the lab over and get a freebie day out.”

  “Wouldn’t that be something? I sincerely hope so,” remarked Jean. “It will mean I can finally inform my team as to what the cloak and dagger stuff has been about all these weeks. That itself will be a weight off.”

  “Well then, I suggest you let your team know of the visit, and then get off home early. You’ll be the one taking them around tomorrow and no doubt answering their questions. You look exhausted.”

  Jean did feel exhausted, but she still managed to skip her way back to her lab to tell her team to be prepared for the next day’s au
dit, which was met, as expected, with the usual groans. Feeling a little guilty, she ignored their mild frustrations, knowing that all would be revealed soon.

  ***

  Jean met with the six members of the independent audit and verification team at six the following morning. They were already deep in conversation in ACR’s boardroom, which had been given over to them for the duration of their visit.

  Jean recognized all but one of the team, a young Chinese scientist that, to her, looked about sixteen years old.

  She had come across the others from time to time at various conferences and seminars, and they were all well respected in the cryogenic world.

  The visiting team were all employed within academia and held strong government ties, which bound them under international law to remain unbiased, independent, and 100 percent confidential in their findings when any scientific audit or verification was needed.

  Omni had secured them all on private contracts that ensured any findings would remain within the group.

  After the greetings and pleasantries were exchanged, a short series of technical and highly poignant questions were asked, telling Jean that these people had done their homework and were indeed up to speed with her findings.

  Unbeknownst to Jean, they had each been locked away analyzing and cross-checking Jean’s data solidly for the last three weeks, which meant that it was only a few minor loose ends that needed clarification—one being a simple typo where the word “texture” had somehow been hysterically transposed to read “sex up,” causing an outbreak of giggles and hilarity around the table.

  The mood was pleasant and light, which instilled Jean with greater confidence of a positive outcome.

  The laboratory inspection saw the group split off and target certain areas, and, for two hours, several different conversations took place between each of Jean’s team and the inspectors. Finally, having exhausted their questions, Jean led them off to lunch. They would spend the entire afternoon deliberating, while Jean waited patiently, if not a little nervously, in Guy’s office.

  Shortly after eight, Guy’s desk phone rang. Jean looked at him intently as he answered. The two minutes he was on the phone were an eternity. Guy remained silent while he listened. The only words spoken were at the end of the call when he said, “Yes, I fully understand, thank you,” before hanging up.

  Jean, unable to contain herself any longer, leaned forward and extended her arms with palms up spreading her fingers wide, “Well?”

  “They have concluded,” Guy said with a dour face, pausing for effect, “that your findings,” he paused again, “are 100 percent confirmed on all counts with zero chance of inaccuracy!” His face broke into a huge smile. “Congratulations, Dr. Reese, you are now officially the world’s number one cryogenicist, and your project has a green light.”

  Jean just sat quietly for a brief moment to allow the news to sink in, only to be hoisted from her seat by Guy, who was now rapidly shaking her hands whilst saying, “Well done, well done.”

  Jean smiled broadly as a small tear of happiness worked its way down her cheek.

  Grabbing her jacket off of the back of the chair, she simply turned and disappeared out of the office.

  A few seconds later, Guy heard Jean’s muffled cry of “Yessss” and “Whoohoo!” coming from down the corridor as she headed back to her lab, struggling to contain her excitement.

  ***

  Everyone had long since left the lab when Jean returned. Maybe that was for the best—she would tell them the news first thing in the morning when she was refreshed. She was actually looking forward to it very much, but, for now, she had a different priority. She just wanted to go home and finally share her news with David and explain why she had to be so secretive. She hoped and prayed he would understand the torment she’d been going through.

  David was already home when she burst through the door and ran into his arms. With tears streaming, she spluttered out the news that had racked her with guilt and had been slowly driving them apart. David just pulled her in tighter, and she knew everything was going to be all right.

  Chapter Seven

  Trent had his feet up across the glass coffee table as he watched the highlights of last night’s game. He’d been drinking. He scowled as he cracked another can, adding the empty one to the wall he’d built up to cover a vase of ridiculous, pink, fluffy poms that carried her equally ridiculous perfume.

  He’d wanted to get away earlier that day and was still feeling angry that he’d been made to stay another night to find out if she knew of the results of the Reese woman’s inspection over at ACR. This wasn’t part of his brief. He was sick to death about hearing about David. Now he was being asked about his prig of a wife. He rolled his eyes as he heard the front door open and Lydia throw her bag down before kicking off her shoes. He knew what was coming.

  “Aah, my kullake, you’re still here,” he heard her call from the hall. He was sick of her childish affections. Every time she called him that, he cringed. The more he thought about it, the more he didn’t want to be around her, but he need her information. He listened as she removed her coat. She was humming playfully. It would be the same thing. She’d come in and start clinging to him. He felt revulsion rise from the pit of his stomach. Well, if he was going to have to do it, he would make sure it was rough—it was about time he had some fun.

  Thinking quickly, he said, “I had a call earlier, and I have to leave soon, but I wanted to wait until you got back. I just couldn’t go without saying goodbye.”

  He wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible. “How was your day?”

  Lydia came in. She’d provocatively unbuttoned her blouse.

  He forced a smile. “So how was it?”

  Lydia flashed her eyes at him. She clearly had other things on her mind. “Well?” he asked again, exaggerating his mock smile.

  “It was a happy day. We heard good news about David’s wife. She’s being promoted for a new project, I think, but you mustn’t say anything.”

  Trent lowered his smile. That was enough confirmation. He sat up and grabbed her, forcefully throwing her on to the sofa. Time to play his way.

  ***

  Jean sat awkwardly on the edge of the bed as she got herself ready for work. She felt uncomfortable as she looked ruefully at her now very round stomach, wondering whether that might change. David was being as sympathetic as he could, but she knew he was beginning to feel the strain of their pregnancy impacting on his work. As the testing began, he was having to spend more and more time at the lab. The first four months had been hard enough but these last two in particular as he was having to do more at home to ease the pregnancy. Today, he’d had to rush. They were at a crucial stage, so he just had time to help Jean get ready before he had to leave. She would have to make it to ACR in her own time.

  Jean waddled to her car, grimacing at how uncomfortable it was becoming to even head into the office in the morning now. She was becoming more rotund as the weeks and months flew by, and her time drew ever closer. She had already passed the date on which she was supposed to start her maternity leave, but, like so many, she couldn’t tear herself away from her project, despite the constant reassurances from her team and friends that all was well in hand.

  The last six months had been a whirlwind of activity, with each day bringing new excitement as her project took shape.

  Jean’s new lab complex was a stunning state-of-the-art testament to design, and the envy of all at ACR, so it was little wonder she wanted to be there as much as possible. A view that was shared by her entire team, which now numbered an impressive twenty-one scientists, making Jean’s the largest operation within ACR. Although there was provision for nine additional stations, Jean had decided to hold back on any further additions until after the birth of her child.

  Jean’s lab had only taken six weeks to be completed and equipped, and, although able to function with full capability, it wouldn’t become the slick operation her previous setup had been
until the new members of the team had fully integrated with each other and become familiar with the more routine procedures and ways of dealing with overlapping assignments and tasks.

  It would take time for them to learn to read each other’s needs and cope with the deadlines. Only then would she be able to iron out any wrinkles and weak points, be they in procedures or in staff.

  As Jean pulled up to the lab and gathered her things, she couldn’t help but smile. Daniel, Melanie, and Beatrice had really stepped up to the plate in bringing things together. In such a short space of time, Beatrice, in particular, had championed the staffing side by taking each of the newly appointed scientists under her wing and making them feel at ease and comfortable in their new surroundings during their first weeks at ACR.

  Each new team member had been either chosen or headhunted by the six original scientists. Fortunately, it was a fairly quick process, as the right type of candidates were already well known to them and would have had contact with at least two of Jean’s team at some point in the past, meaning that no one would feel out of place or isolated, comfortable in the knowledge that they were amongst friends.

  Surprisingly enough, Jean and her team were overwhelmed with the level of enthusiasm their targeted scientists had shown when they were each approached with the offer to apply for a position on the project. No one had declined and their “A” list of preferred candidates was completed.

  As soon as the new lab had become operational, Jean had tasked the team to resume the testing of batch 34d1 more rigorously.

  All the previous tests had been 100 percent successful, and now it was time to expand the parameters. Although the variations to the compound would only be fractional, there were still several hundred options to run through. Additionally, there would be a similar number afforded to the fusion procedure.

  Even with the capability to run up to twenty different tests concurrently, it would be some time before they could focus in on the area that offered the results that would indicate where to concentrate further tests. The exact sets of data that those particular tests would produce would then open the way to fine-tuning and honing the entire procedure to a point where it would be ready for phase two.