Fever by Robin Cook Page A

some preliminary data from the mice. Because the monkeys were so expensive they would not be used until the very end when the information from the other animals could be extrapolated and applied to a statistically significant group. Then, assuming positive results, a method of randomization would be worked out with each species to ensure suitable controls. These fresh animals would then be treated with the optimum dosage level of Canceran determined from the first part of the study. This portion of the project would be carried out so that neither Charles nor Ellen would know which animals had been treated until after each had been sacrificed and studied and recorded.
    â€œWhew,” sighed Ellen as she stretched her arms back. “I guess I didn’t know what was involved.”
    â€œUnfortunately there’s more,” said Charles. “Each animal,after they’re autopsied, has to be studied not only microscopically, but also with the electron microscope. And . . .”
    â€œAll right already!” said Ellen. “I get the picture. But what about our own work? What are we going to do?”
    â€œI’m not sure,” said Charles. He put down his pencil. “I guess that’s up to both of us.”
    â€œI think it’s more up to you,” said Ellen. She was sitting on a high stool with her back against the slate-topped workbench. She was wearing a white laboratory coat which was unbuttoned, revealing a beige sweater and a single strand of small, natural pearls. Her soft hands were folded together and lay still in her lap.
    â€œDid you mean what you said about working nights?” asked Charles. In his mind he tried to estimate the feasibility of continuing the work on the mysterious blocking factor while they labored with Canceran. It would be possible, although they’d have to put in long hours and slow down considerably. But even if they were able to isolate a single protein in a single animal which functioned as a blocking agent, they’d have something. Even if only one mouse became immunized to its tumor, it would be spectacular. Charles was well aware that success with a single case was hardly a reason to generalize, but he felt that a single cure would provide the basis for convincing the institute to back his work.
    â€œLook,” said Ellen. “I know how much this work of yours means to you, and I know you think you’re close to some sort of a conclusion. I don’t know whether it’s going to be positive or negative in the final analysis but that doesn’t matter. You need to know. And you will. You’re the most stubborn person I ever met.”
    Charles examined Ellen’s face. What did she mean, stubborn? He didn’t know whether it was a compliment or an insult, and he had no idea how the conversation had switched to his personality. But Ellen’s expression was neutral, her unfathomable eyes unwavering.
    Noticing Charles’s stare, Ellen smiled, then said: “Don’t look so surprised. If you’re willing to work nights, so am I.In fact, I can bring in some things to eat on the days we work evenings so we can have supper right here.”
    â€œI’m not sure you realize how tough it will be,” said Charles. “We’d be practically living here.”
    â€œThe lab is bigger than my apartment,” said Ellen with a laugh, “and my cats take care of themselves.”
    Charles turned his gaze back to his recently concocted flow diagram. But he wasn’t thinking about Canceran. He was wrestling with the advisability of working evenings with Ellen. “You understand that I have no idea whether I can get Morrison to pay you overtime?” he said.
    â€œI don’t . . .” began Ellen, but she didn’t finish. The phone interrupted them.
    â€œYou answer it,” said Charles. “I don’t want to talk with anyone.”
    Ellen slid off her stool and, leaning