Nick trailed behind Dr. Ray''s assistant on the way to the office, his steps slowing as the heart stimnt''s effects started to fade. He figured he had maybe five or six more minutes before he''d bepletely spent.


    As they reached the office door, Nick bit his lip, trying to muster some energy. With a hint of curiosity, he asked the assistant, "Any idea what Dr. Ray wants with me?"


    The assistant gave Nick a quick nce, pulled out a key card, and swiped it. "Not entirely sure, but someone from the virus research institute dropped by. Dr. Ray just asked me to fetch you."


    Nick''s gaze sharpened at the mention of the virus research institute. Before he could ponder it further, the door swung open, demanding his attention. He shook his head, trying to stay sharp, and followed the assistant inside.


    "Dr. Ray, Nick''s here," the assistant announced quietly, then stationed himself by the couch where Dr. Ray sat.


    Three other people were in the room, none of whom Nick recognized. One


    seemed to be around thirty, the other not quite sixty. Nick''s eyes swept over them, drawing a nk.


    Collecting himself, he stepped forward but kept a respectful distance. "Dr. Ray, you called for me?"


    Dr. Ray smiled, gesturing for him to sit, and then turned to introduce the guests on the couch. "This is Mirabe from the T5 Institute."


    The two on the couch had their eyes fixed on Nick. The younger man, unable to contain his excitement, jumped up and approached Nick. "Nick, we''ve been waiting for you."


    Nick looked at him, puzzled. "You are...?"


    As he got closer, the young man caught the faint scent of blood, surprising him, though he kept a polite smile. Nick was momentarily taken aback.


    The young man took Nick''s arm and, with a cheerful nod to Dr. Ray and the other colleague, said, "We''ll be on our way then, Dr. Ray."


    Without waiting for a reply, he led Nick out of the room, urgency in every step. Their figures quickly vanished from the doorway, leaving the young man''s colleague to cough awkwardly and nce at Dr. Ray. "Sorry about that. Adler gets a bit impatient when research is


    бло


    involved."  swnovel


    Dr. Ray chuckled and shook his head. "It''s good for young folk to be eager."


    The colleague returned the smile, settling in for a more rxed chat.


    As soon as Nick and the young man exited the office, the grip on Nick''s arm loosened. "There are cameras," the young man exined. "Just


    hang in there a bit longer."  swnovel


    Nick gritted his teeth and nodded. Back in the office, the young man had mouthed


    two words: his sister''s name. That''s why he had gone along with him.


    They entered the elevator, and as soon as the doors closed, Nick, leaned heavily against the wall, his facade crumbling. Inside the


    elevator, there were no cameras.  swnovel


    Adler quickly steadied him, concern etched on his face. "You alright?"


    He couldn''t afford to mess up what the boss had entrusted to him. If things went south, apologizing wouldn''t be enough.