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“Yes, he had e it” The tension in Perkins’s voice indicated annoyance rather than gratitude “Can you tell nificance?”

“A US agricultural aid team believes there may be a connection between the water and so the reservoir”

“I see Well, we can certainly take a look at it”

“Perhaps you can answer a question,” Pitt said “Why would Dr Nakamura send a water sample to you here in Scotland?”

“Our firm is at the forefront of bioremediation research,” Perkins said “We have the resources to analyze and identify biological impurities that other facilities may lack Plus, Dr Nakamura was a friend of our company’s late founder, Frasier McKee”

As Perkins held the vial to the light and swirled it around, Pitt glanced at the family photo on the desk It showed Perkins outside a soccer field with his wife and two small boys Several older cars were parked next to the field Pitt noticed that Perkins earing the same clothes now as in the photo

“Did Dr Nakaht the water saht contain?”

“No But I will be happy to share our analysis with you It should only take a day or two”

As if on cue, the desk phone rang Perkins listened briefly, then hung up “I’m sorry, Mr Pitt, I’ you” He rose from behind the desk

“Thank you for your time” As Pitt rose, he pointed at the photo “You have an attractive family What are your boys’ names?”

Perkins glanced at the photo The hesitation in his voice was minuscule, but unmistakable “Finn and Liam”

With no further comment, he escorted Pitt to the lobby “Enjoy your stay in Scotland,” he said He shook Pitt’s hand and vanished down the corridor

Pitt drove a few blocks into the city, then turned around He circled back to the building, approached from a side street, and parked a block away

While the Mini was concealed from the road, he had a clear view of the front of BioRe, he pulled out his phone and called Hiraer at NUMA headquarters

“Calling to get er asked