Chapter 274

• Merida
• I found the chemist within the hour, a nervous, low-level formulator named Petrov who'd handled the initial paperwork on the compound's intake, and made certain, through means that required no explanation beyond a generous sum of money and a carefully implied threat, that he would confirm whatever version of events I needed confirmed.
• "I was deceived," I told the board, once the emergency session reconvened the following day. "Petrov sourced the compound through what he believed was a legitimate specialty supplier. I trusted his professional judgment, the same way any of you would trust your own staff's expertise."