Pulse_NN1 TODD_NP1 MADDOX_NP1 STEPPED_VVD out_II21 of_II22 the_AT Eurocopter_NP1 EC_NP1 155_MC and_CC ducked_VVD instinctively_RR as_CSA the_AT rotor_NN1 blades_NN2 continued_VVD chopping_VVG the_AT air_NN1 above_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
The_AT flight_NN1 from_II LAX_JJ in_II Los_NP1 Angeles_NP1 to_II Captain_NNB Rolden_NP1 International_JJ Airport_NN1 in_II Peru_NP1 had_VHD been_VBN uneventful_JJ ,_, and_CC the_AT copter_NN1 ride_NN1 from_II the_AT airport_NN1 to_II this_DD1 unknown_JJ destination_NN1 blessedly_RR smooth_JJ ._. 
But_CCB discomfort_NN1 struck_VVD him_PPHO1 hard_RR as_CSA he_PPHS1 exited_VVD the_AT copter_NN1 's_GE air-conditioned_JJ interior_NN1 and_CC entered_VVD the_AT humid_JJ jungle_NN1 air_NN1 of_IO eastern_JJ Peru_NP1 's_GE Amazon_NP1 rain_NN1 forest_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE sunflower_NN1 yellow_JJ shirt_NN1 became_VVD like_II sticky_JJ ,_, wet_JJ papier-mache_NN1 ,_, gluing_VVG itself_PPX1 to_II his_APPGE body_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE styled_JJ hair_NN1 ,_, held_VVN in_II place_NN1 by_II a_AT1 thick_JJ film_NN1 of_IO pricey_JJ Elnelt_NN1 hairspray_NN1 ,_, dissolved_VVN into_II a_AT1 heavy_JJ goo_NN1 that_CST oozed_VVD over_RP his_APPGE forehead_NN1 ._. 
Out_II21 of_II22 his_APPGE dry_JJ ,_, Los_NP1 Angeles_NP1 element_NN1 ,_, Maddox_NP1 grunted_VVD and_CC cursed_VVN under_II his_APPGE breath_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 held_VVD tight_RR to_II his_APPGE briefcase_NN1 and_CC jogged_VVD toward_II the_AT glass_NN1 double_JJ doors_NN2 that_CST seemed_VVD so_RR out_II21 of_II22 place_NN1 in_II the_AT thick_JJ green_JJ jungle_NN1 ._. 
Doubt_NN1 filled_VVD his_APPGE mind_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 neared_VVD the_AT doors_NN2 ._. 
Was_VBDZ this_DD1 worth_II it_PPH1 ?_? 
Could_VM he_PPHS1 stand_VVI all_DB this_DD1 heat_NN1 and_CC humidity_NN1 ?_? 
The_AT pay_NN1 would_VM no_RR21 doubt_RR22 be_VBI amazing_JJ and_CC the_AT company_NN1 ,_, Manifold_NN1 ,_, was_VBDZ renowned_JJ in_II the_AT world_NN1 of_IO genetics_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB the_AT job_NN1 description_NN1 ,_, well_RR ,_, there_EX had_VHD n't_XX been_VBN one_PN1 ._. 
Simply_RR a_AT1 five-year_JJ contract_NN1 and_CC ten_MC thousand_NNO dollars_NNU2 for_CS an_AT1 interview_NN1 ,_, take_VV0 it_PPH1 or_CC leave_VV0 it_PPH1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 hoped_VVD to_TO learn_VVI more_RRR during_II this_DD1 one_PN1 and_CC only_JJ interview_NN1 ,_, but_CCB if_CS the_AT work_NN1 they_PPHS2 wanted_VVD him_PPHO1 for_CS was_VBDZ anything_PN1 less_DAR than_CSN groundbreaking_VVG ,_, he_PPHS1 'd_VM be_VBI on_II the_AT next_MD flight_NN1 back_RP to_II sunny_JJ ,_, dry_JJ Los_NP1 Angeles_NP1 ._. 
His_APPGE job_NN1 there_RL with_IW CreGen_NP1 paid_VVD well_RR and_CC made_VVD headlines_NN2 occasionally_RR ,_, but_CCB the_AT chance_NN1 to_TO work_VVI for_IF Manifold_NN1 was_VBDZ too_RG good_JJ to_II not_XX ,_, at_RR21 least_RR22 ,_, consider_VV0 ._. 
Of_RR21 course_RR22 ,_, when_CS he_PPHS1 agreed_VVD to_II an_AT1 interview_NN1 he_PPHS1 had_VHD no_AT idea_NN1 it_PPH1 would_VM take_VVI place_NN1 in_II the_AT Peruvian_JJ rain_NN1 forest_NN1 ._. 
The_AT double_JJ doors_NN2 swung_VVD open_JJ and_CC Maddox_NP1 ran_VVD through_RP like_CS he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ escaping_VVG a_AT1 torrential_JJ downpour_NN1 ;_; given_VVN the_AT amount_NN1 of_IO moisture_NN1 clinging_VVG to_II his_APPGE dress_NN1 shirt_NN1 ,_, beige_JJ slacks_NN2 ,_, and_CC now_RT slick_JJ hair_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 was_VBDZ n't_XX much_DA1 of_IO a_AT1 stretch_NN1 ._. 
Inside_II the_AT hallway_NN1 ,_, cool_JJ ,_, dry_JJ air_NN1 blasted_VVD from_II air-conditioning_JJ vents_NN2 along_II the_AT ceiling_NN1 ._. 
Maddox_NP1 's_GE forehead_NN1 stiffened_VVN as_II the_AT hairspray_NN1 dried_VVD again_RT ,_, several_DA2 inches_NNU2 lower_RRR than_CSN when_CS it_PPH1 had_VHD first_MD been_VBN applied_VVN ._. 
"_" Humidity_NN1 does_VDZ a_AT1 job_NN1 on_II each_DD1 and_CC every_AT1 one_MC1 of_IO you_PPY metrosexuals_NN2 the_AT boss_NN1 brings_VVZ down_RP here_RL ,_, "_" said_VVD a_AT1 deep_JJ voice_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 looked_VVD at_II the_AT man_NN1 who_PNQS had_VHD opened_VVN the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD n't_XX been_VBN spoken_VVN to_II with_IW such_DA disrespect_NN1 since_CS high_JJ school_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 glared_VVD at_II the_AT man_NN1 through_II his_APPGE Oakley_NP1 black-rimmed_JJ eyeglasses_NN2 ._. 
The_AT man_NN1 was_VBDZ tall_JJ ,_, and_CC given_VVN the_AT bulges_NN2 beneath_II his_APPGE form-fitting_JJ black_JJ shirt_NN1 ,_, not_XX a_AT1 scientist_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 filled_VVD his_APPGE voice_NN1 with_IW as_RG much_DA1 disgust_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 could_VM muster_VVI and_CC said_VVD ._. 
"_" Excuse_VV0 me_PPIO1 ?_? "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM just_RR screwing_VVG with_IW you_PPY ,_, man_NN1 ._. "_" 
The_AT stranger_NN1 slapped_VVD him_PPHO1 on_II the_AT shoulder_NN1 --_NN1 which_DDQ hurt_VV0 --_JJ and_CC laughed_VVD ._. 
He_PPHS1 extended_VVD his_APPGE hand_NN1 ._. 
"_" Oliver_NP1 Reinhart_NP1 ._. 
Head_NN1 of_IO Gen-Y_NP1 security_NN1 here_RL at_II Manifold_JJ Gamma_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR in_II31 charge_II32 of_II33 this_DD1 facility_NN1 ?_? "_" he_PPHS1 asked_VVD ,_, wondering_VVG if_CSW he_PPHS1 'd_VM have_VHI to_TO put_VVI up_RP with_IW this_DD1 goon_NN1 long_JJ term_NN1 if_CS he_PPHS1 took_VVD the_AT job_NN1 ._. 
Reinhart_NP1 rubbed_VVD a_AT1 hand_NN1 over_II the_AT back_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE buzz-cut_JJ skull_NN1 ,_, letting_VVG the_AT short_JJ hairs_NN2 tickle_VVI his_APPGE hand_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 oversee_VV0 security_NN1 at_II all_DB the_AT facilities_NN2 ,_, Alpha_NN1 through_II Epsilon_NN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 go_VV0 where_CS the_AT boss_NN1 goes_VVZ ._. "_" 
"_" Ridley_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" That_DD1 's_VBZ the_AT guy_NN1 ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 blinked_VVD ._. 
Richard_NP1 Ridley_NP1 reached_VVD legendary_JJ status_NN1 when_CS he_PPHS1 formed_VVD Manifold_NN1 ten_MC years_NNT2 previous_JJ using_VVG a_AT1 three-billion-dollar_NNU1 inheritance_NN1 ._. 
At_RR21 first_RR22 no_PN121 one_PN122 took_VVD his_APPGE company_NN1 seriously_RR ,_, hut_NN1 then_RT he_PPHS1 began_VVD acquiring_VVG the_AT best_JJT minds_NN2 in_II the_AT field_NN1 ,_, some_DD straight_JJ out_II21 of_II22 MIT_NP1 ,_, Harvard_NP1 ,_, and_CC Berkeley_NP1 ._. 
The_AT company_NN1 soon_RR flourished_VVD ,_, making_VVG rapid_JJ advancements_NN2 in_II the_AT fields_NN2 of_IO genetics_NN1 and_CC biopharmaceuticals_NN2 ._. 
"_" Richard_NP1 Ridley_NP1 is_VBZ here_RL ?_? "_" 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR a_AT1 quick_JJ one_PN1 ,_, "_" lie_NN1 said_VVD with_IW a_AT1 smirk_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 can_VM see_VVI why_RRQ he_PPHS1 hired_VVD you_PPY ._. "_" 
"_" He_PPHS1 has_VHZ n't_XX hired_VVN me_PPIO1 ._. "_" 
Reinhart_NP1 stepped_VVD past_II him_PPHO1 and_CC started_VVD down_RP the_AT stark_JJ white_JJ hallway_NN1 ._. 
"_" He_PPHS1 has_VHZ ._. 
You_PPY just_RR do_VD0 n't_XX know_VVI it_PPH1 yet_RR ._. 
C'm_VV0 on_RP ,_, follow_VV0 me_PPIO1 ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 looked_VVD at_II the_AT burly_JJ man_NN1 's_GE face_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 scar_NN1 ran_VVD down_RP his_APPGE cheek_NN1 ,_, but_CCB other_II21 than_II22 that_DD1 ,_, the_AT cleanly_JJ shaven_JJ face_NN1 looked_VVD ,_, more_RRR than_CSN anything_PN1 ,_, young_JJ ._. 
No_AT more_DAR than_CSN thirty_MC ._. 
Figuring_VVG the_AT young_JJ Reinhart_NP1 got_VVD his_APPGE kicks_NN2 by_II pretending_VVG to_TO be_VBI head_NN1 of_IO security_NN1 and_CC jerking_VVG recruits_VVZ around_RP by_II dangling_VVG Ridley_NP1 in_II31 front_II32 of_II33 them_PPHO2 ,_, he_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, 'You_NNU look_NN1 a_RR21 little_RR22 young_JJ to_TO be_VBI head_NN1 of_IO security_NN1 ._. 
What_DDQ are_VBR you_PPY ,_, thirty_MC ?_? "_" 
Reinhart_NP1 answered_VVD the_AT questions_NN2 quickly_RR ._. 
"_" Twenty-five_MC ._. 
We_PPIS2 're_VBR called_VVN Gen-Y_NP1 for_IF a_AT1 reason_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY wo_VM n't_XX find_VVI anyone_PN1 over_RG twenty-eight_MC in_II my_APPGE crew_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" Does_VDZ n't_XX the_AT lack_NN1 of_IO experience_NN1 --_NN1 "_" Reinhart_NP1 paused_VVD ._. 
He_PPHS1 fixed_VVD his_APPGE eyes_NN2 on_II Maddox_NP1 's_GE ._. 
"_" Killers_NN2 are_VBR born_VVN ,_, not_XX made_VVN ._. "_" 
As_CS21 though_CS22 on_II cue_NN1 ,_, two_MC more_DAR security_NN1 guards_NN2 rounded_VVD the_AT corner_NN1 and_CC walked_VVD past_II them_PPHO2 ,_, eyeing_VVG him_PPHO1 and_CC nodding_VVG their_APPGE heads_NN2 at_II Reinhart_NP1 ,_, like_II friends_NN2 in_II a_AT1 club_NN1 ._. 
Both_RR looked_VVN barely_RR old_JJ enough_RR to_TO shave_VVI ,_, though_CS their_APPGE bulk_NN1 and_CC cold_JJ eyes_NN2 confirmed_VVD Reinhart_NP1 's_GE statement_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD entered_VVN a_AT1 den_NN1 of_IO vipers_NN2 ._. 
Still_RR ,_, it_PPH1 seemed_VVD irresponsible_JJ to_TO hire_VVI such_DA young_JJ people_NN for_IF security_NN1 ._. 
Then_RT again_RT ,_, eighteen-year-olds_NN2 were_VBDR common_JJ on_II any_DD battlefield_NN1 ._. 
Given_VVN Reinhart_NP1 's_GE buzz_FU cut_NN1 and_CC military_JJ posture_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 'd_VHD probably_RR seen_VVN some_DD time_NNT1 in_II Iraq_NP1 or_CC Afghanistan_NP1 before_II landing_VVG the_AT job_NN1 here_RL ._. 
There_EX were_VBDR n't_XX many_DA2 military_JJ people_NN his_APPGE age_NN1 who_PNQS had_VHD n't_XX ._. 
He_PPHS1 decided_VVD to_TO drop_VVI the_AT subject_NN1 and_CC fell_VVD in_II step_NN1 behind_II Reinhart_NP1 ,_, following_VVG him_PPHO1 through_II a_AT1 maze_NN1 of_IO hallways_NN2 ._. 
Reinhart_NP1 stopped_VVD next_II21 to_II22 a_AT1 door_NN1 and_CC opened_VVD it_PPH1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 motioned_VVD to_II the_AT door_NN1 and_CC grinned_VVD ._. 
"_" After_CS you_PPY ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 sighed_VVD and_CC walked_VVD through_RP ._. 
The_AT room_NN1 on_II the_AT other_JJ side_NN1 stopped_VVD him_PPHO1 in_II his_APPGE tracks_NN2 ._. 
The_AT white_JJ marble_NN1 floor_NN1 reflected_VVD the_AT numerous_JJ shades_NN2 of_IO blue_JJ and_CC green_JJ from_II the_AT jungle_NN1 canopy_NN1 and_CC sky_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ glowed_VVD bright_JJ above_II the_AT fifty-foot-long_JJ ,_, arched_VVD all-glass_JJ ceiling_NN1 ._. 
Incan_NN1 statues_NN2 lined_VVN the_AT ruby_NN1 red_JJ walls_NN2 and_CC a_AT1 long_JJ oriental_JJ rug_NN1 ran_VVD down_RP the_AT center_NN1 of_IO the_AT room_NN1 ._. 
The_AT rug_NN1 led_VVN to_II an_AT1 enormous_JJ reception_NN1 desk_NN1 that_CST looked_VVD more_RGR appropriate_JJ for_IF a_AT1 high-profile_JJ Hollywood_NP1 literary_JJ agency_NN1 than_CSN a_AT1 genetics_NN1 company_NN1 ._. 
The_AT serious-looking_JJ redhead_NN1 behind_II the_AT desk_NN1 looked_VVD over_RP her_APPGE glasses_NN2 at_II him_PPHO1 and_CC smiled_VVD briefly_RR ._. 
"_" Tell_VV0 her_PPHO1 who_PNQS you_PPY are_VBR and_CC she_PPHS1 'll_VM take_VVI it_PPH1 from_II there_RL ,_, "_" Reinhart_NP1 said_VVD ._. 
Unable_JK to_TO take_VVI his_APPGE eyes_NN2 off_II the_AT expansive_JJ reception_NN1 hall_NN1 ,_, Maddox_NP1 heard_VVD the_AT door_NN1 whisper_VVI shut_JJ ._. 
Reinhart_NP1 had_VHD left_VVN ._. 
Though_CS young_JJ ,_, the_AT man_NN1 's_GE presence_NN1 concerned_VVD him_PPHO1 ._. 
What_DDQ would_VM happen_VVI if_CSW he_PPHS1 turned_VVD Ridley_NP1 down_RP ?_? 
He_PPHS1 pushed_VVD the_AT question_NN1 from_II his_APPGE mind_NN1 and_CC focused_VVD on_II Reinhart_NP1 's_GE explanation_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE job_NN1 ._. 
If_CS he_PPHS1 really_RR was_VBDZ Ridley_NP1 's_GE personal_JJ guard_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 would_VM n't_XX be_VBI here_RL all_DB the_AT time_NNT1 ..._... or_CC would_VM he_PPHS1 ?_? 
No_PN121 one_PN122 really_RR knew_VVD where_RRQ Ridley_NP1 spent_VVD his_APPGE time_NNT1 ._. 
Reinhart_NP1 said_VVD "_" Manifold_JJ Alpha_NN1 through_II Epsilon_NN1 ,_, "_" which_DDQ meant_VVD there_EX were_VBDR at_RR21 least_RR22 five_MC Manifold_JJ locations_NN2 ._. 
Maybe_RR more_RRR ._. 
His_APPGE approach_NN1 to_II the_AT reception_NN1 desk_NN1 was_VBDZ watched_VVN by_II the_AT bloodred_JJ eyes_NN2 of_IO the_AT twelve_MC Incan_JJ statues_NN2 that_CST lined_VVD either_DD1 side_NN1 of_IO the_AT room_NN1 ._. 
Their_APPGE twisted_JJ and_CC angry_JJ expressions_NN2 did_VDD little_DA1 to_TO calm_VVI his_APPGE nerves_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 paused_VVD in_II31 front_II32 of_II33 the_AT desk_NN1 as_II the_AT redhead_NN1 held_VVD an_AT1 open_JJ palm_NN1 up_II21 to_II22 him_PPHO1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 held_VVD a_AT1 phone_NN1 against_II her_APPGE ear_NN1 ,_, listening_VVG ._. 
"_" You_PPY can_VM go_VVI in_RP ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, after_II putting_VVG the_AT phone_NN1 down_RP ._. 
She_PPHS1 reached_VVD under_II the_AT desktop_NN1 and_CC pushed_VVD a_AT1 button_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 door_NN1 to_II the_AT right_NN1 of_IO the_AT reception_NN1 desk_NN1 slid_VVD open_RR silently_RR ._. 
He_PPHS1 tightened_VVD his_APPGE grip_NN1 on_II the_AT briefcase_NN1 and_CC headed_VVN for_IF the_AT door_NN1 ,_, unsure_JJ of_IO what_DDQ to_TO expect_VVI on_II the_AT other_JJ side_NN1 ._. 
The_AT office_NN1 was_VBDZ sparsely_RR decorated_VVN with_IW more_RGR Incan_JJ art_NN1 ._. 
Masks_NN2 hung_VVD on_RP walls_NN2 and_CC statues_NN2 stood_VVD in_II the_AT corners_NN2 ._. 
Large_JJ ,_, green_JJ plants_NN2 made_VVD the_AT whole_JJ scene_NN1 look_VV0 like_II some_DD ceremonial_JJ cave_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 realized_VVD some_DD of_IO the_AT plants_NN2 must_VM he_PPHS1 mint_VVI ,_, as_CSA the_AT room_NN1 smelled_VVD strongly_RR of_IO fresh_JJ pepper-mint_NN1 ,_, the_AT kind_NN1 his_APPGE mother_NN1 had_VHD grown_VVN in_II their_APPGE greenhouse_NN1 ._. 
At_II the_AT center_NN1 of_IO the_AT room_NN1 sat_VVD two_MC black_JJ sofas_NN2 ,_, facing_VVG each_PPX221 other_PPX222 ._. 
Between_II them_PPHO2 ,_, a_AT1 short_JJ ,_, hand-carved_JJ coffee_NN1 table_NN1 held_VVD two_MC glass_NN1 teacups_NN2 ,_, a_AT1 steaming_JJ clay_NN1 teapot_NN1 ,_, and_CC a_AT1 manila_NN1 folder_NN1 ._. 
Richard_NP1 Ridley_NP1 himself_PPX1 sat_VVD on_II the_AT sofa_NN1 facing_VVG the_AT door_NN1 ,_, his_APPGE bald_JJ head_NN1 gleaming_VVG under_II the_AT room_NN1 's_GE stylish_JJ track_NN1 lighting_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD seen_VVN photos_NN2 of_IO Ridley_NP1 in_II articles_NN2 and_CC promotional_JJ materials_NN2 from_II conferences_NN2 ,_, but_CCB he_PPHS1 looked_VVD taller_JJR and_CC more_RGR confident_JJ in_II person_NN1 ._. 
Without_IW standing_NN1 or_CC offering_VVG a_AT1 hand_NN1 ,_, Ridley_NP1 motioned_VVD for_IF him_PPHO1 to_TO sit_VVI on_II the_AT other_JJ couch_NN1 ._. 
Maddox_NP1 sat_VVD down_RP and_CC placed_VVD his_APPGE briefcase_NN1 on_II the_AT floor_NN1 next_II21 to_II22 him_PPHO1 ._. 
Ridley_NP1 poured_VVD two_MC glasses_NN2 of_IO tea_NN1 ,_, drizzled_VVD honey_NN1 into_II both_DB2 cups_NN2 ,_, then_RT handed_VVD one_PN1 to_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
A_AT1 waft_NN1 of_IO peppermint_NN1 filled_VVD his_APPGE nose_NN1 ,_, opening_VVG his_APPGE eyes_NN2 and_CC causing_VVG him_PPHO1 to_TO sit_VVI up_RP straighter_JJR ._. 
He_PPHS1 took_VVD a_AT1 sip_NN1 and_CC swallowed_VVD ._. 
The_AT liquid_NN1 seemed_VVD to_TO invigorate_VVI his_APPGE mind_NN1 as_II the_AT peppermint_NN1 was_VBDZ absorbed_VVN into_II his_APPGE bloodstream_NN1 ._. 
"_" Fresh-cut_JJ peppermint_NN1 tea_NN1 ,_, "_" Ridley_NP1 said_VVD ,_, taking_VVG a_AT1 sip_NN1 and_CC then_RT placing_VVG his_APPGE glass_NN1 on_II the_AT coffee_NN1 table_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE gravelly_JJ voice_NN1 was_VBDZ impossible_JJ to_TO ignore_VVI or_CC mistake_NN1 ._. 
Maddox_NP1 had_VHD heard_VVN it_PPH1 before_RT and_CC ,_, expecting_VVG it_PPH1 ,_, was_VBDZ able_JK to_TO keep_VVI his_APPGE mind_NN1 from_II wondering_VVG how_RRQ a_AT1 man_NN1 with_IW such_DA a_AT1 sinister-sounding_JJ voice_NN1 could_VM be_VBI so_RG successful_JJ ._. 
"_" Amazing_JJ what_DDQ a_AT1 simple_JJ brew_NN1 can_VM do_VDI for_IF the_AT body_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 does_VDZ n't_XX hold_VVI a_AT1 candle_NN1 to_II what_DDQ you_PPY 've_VH0 been_VBN involved_JJ in_II ,_, though_CS it_PPH1 probably_RR tastes_VVZ better_RRR ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 smiled_VVD ,_, trying_VVG not_XX to_TO look_VVI nervous_JJ ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 've_VH0 been_VBN following_VVG your_APPGE work_NN1 quite_RG closely_RR ._. 
Your_APPGE breakthroughs_NN2 with_IW the_AT Wnt_NP1 pathway_NN1 and_CC limb_NN1 regeneration_NN1 in_II embryonic_JJ chickens_NN2 ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 's_GE eyes_NN2 widened_VVD ._. 
Ridley_NP1 grinned_VVD ._. 
"_" Why_RRQ do_VD0 n't_XX you_PPY explain_VVI it_PPH1 to_II me_PPIO1 ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 grew_VVD excited_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 never_RR expected_VVD to_TO be_VBI in_II a_AT1 position_NN1 to_TO explain_VVI something_PN1 to_II the_AT Richard_NP1 Ridley_NP1 ._. 
As_CSA you_PPY know_VV0 ..._... may_VM know_VVI ..._... the_AT Wnt_NP1 pathway_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 network_NN1 of_IO proteins_NN2 that_CST ,_, in_II essence_NN1 ,_, tells_VVZ a_AT1 growing_JJ fetus_NN1 where_RRQ ,_, how_RRQ ,_, and_CC when_RRQ to_TO grow_VVI limbs_NN2 ._. 
But_CCB it_PPH1 becomes_VVZ dormant_JJ after_II birth_NN1 ._. 
Mother_NNB Nature_NP1 's_GE kill_VV0 switch_VV0 so_RR to_TO speak_VVI ,_, preventing_VVG uncontrolled_JJ additions_NN2 ,_, like_II a_AT1 sixth_MD finger_NN1 growing_VVG on_II the_AT hand_NN1 when_CS you_PPY get_VV0 a_AT1 cut_NN1 ._. 
What_DDQ we_PPIS2 tried_VVD to_TO do_VDI was_VBDZ reactivate_VVI the_AT pathway_NN1 in_II adults_NN2 so_CS21 that_CS22 when_CS a_AT1 finger_NN1 is_VBZ cut_VVN off_RP ,_, the_AT active_JJ Wnt_NP1 proteins_NN2 tell_VV0 the_AT cells_NN2 to_TO grow_VVI new_JJ ligaments_NN2 ,_, bones_NN2 ,_, and_CC muscles_NN2 ,_, not_XX just_RR a_AT1 layer_NN1 of_IO new_JJ skin_NN1 ._. "_" 
Ridley_NP1 cleared_VVD his_APPGE throat_NN1 ._. 
"_" But_CCB --_JJ and_CC correct_VV0 me_PPIO1 if_CS I_PPIS1 'm_VBM wrong_JJ --_NN1 the_AT Wnt_NP1 pathway_NN1 ,_, while_CS a_AT1 brilliant_JJ attempt_NN1 ,_, is_VBZ a_AT1 rather_RG embarrassing_JJ dead_JJ end_NN1 ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 hunched_VVD as_CSA his_APPGE ego_NN1 deflated_VVD ._. 
Ridley_NP1 knew_VVD more_DAR than_CSN he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ letting_VVG on_RP ._. 
"_" But_CCB "_" --_JJ Ridley_NP1 waggled_VVD a_AT1 finger_NN1 at_II him_PPHO1 --_JJ "_" you_PPY 're_VBR already_RR pursuing_VVG a_AT1 different_JJ path_NN1 ,_, are_VBR n't_XX you_PPY ?_? "_" 
A_RR21 lot_RR22 more_DAR than_CSN he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ letting_VVG on_RP ._. 
Maddox_NP1 remained_VVD silent_JJ ,_, knowing_VVG that_CST any_DD verification_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE current_JJ work_NN1 would_VM be_VBI a_AT1 breach_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE contract_NN1 with_IW CreGen_NP1 and_CC would_VM lead_VVI to_II his_APPGE firing_NN1 and_CC probably_RR legal_JJ action_NN1 against_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
Just_RR being_VBG here_RL ,_, instead_II21 of_II22 vacationing_VVG in_II the_AT Caribbean_JJ where_CS he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ supposed_JJ to_TO be_VBI ,_, would_VM be_VBI enough_DD to_TO get_VVI him_PPHO1 fired_VVN ._. 
"_" You_PPY do_VD0 n't_XX need_VVI to_TO say_VVI anything_PN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 know_VV0 it_PPH1 puts_VVZ you_PPY in_II a_AT1 ..._... situation_NN1 ._. 
So_RR I_PPIS1 'll_VM say_VVI it_PPH1 for_IF you_PPY ._. 
You_PPY 've_VH0 managed_VVN to_TO regenerate_VVI limbs_NN2 on_II rats_NN2 --_JJ tails_NN2 ,_, legs_NN2 ,_, even_RR ears_NN2 ._. "_" 
Maddox_NP1 's_GE eyes_NN2 widened_VVD ._. 
"_" How_RRQ do_VD0 you_PPY know_VVI that_DD1 ?_? 
We_PPIS2 have_VH0 n't_XX published_VVN --_JJ "_" Ridley_NP1 held_VVD up_RP his_APPGE hand_NN1 ,_, silencing_VVG him_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" Please_RR ._. 
Let_VV0 me_PPIO1 finish_VVI ._. 
You_PPY 've_VH0 also_RR partially_RR regenerated_VVN limbs_NN2 on_II pigs_NN2 and_CC sheep_NN ,_, though_CS with_IW less_DAR success_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB the_AT creme_NN141 de_NN142 la_NN143 creme_NN144 is_VBZ what_DDQ you_PPY ,_, and_CC you_PPY alone_RR ,_, have_VH0 managed_VVN to_TO do_VDI with_IW ..._... humans_NN2 ._. "_" 
"_" Now_RT wait_VV0 a_AT1 minute_NNT1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, sitting_VVG up_RP straight_RR ._. 
"_" The_AT work_NN1 on_II sheep_NN and_CC pigs_NN2 is_VBZ highly_RR classified_VVN ._. 
There_EX is_VBZ no_AT way_NN1 you_PPY could_VM --_JJ "_" Ridley_NP1 raised_VVD his_APPGE hands_NN2 ._. 
"_" And_CC yet_RR ,_, I_PPIS1 do_VD0 ._. 
Corporate_JJ espionage_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 wonderful_JJ thing_NN1 ._. 
Do_VD0 n't_XX think_VVI your_APPGE bosses_NN2 at_II CreGen_NP1 have_VH0 n't_XX sent_VVN spies_NN2 in_II our_APPGE direction_NN1 ._. 
If_CS not_XX for_IF Mr._NNB Reinhart_NP1 and_CC Gen-Y_NP1 ,_, you_PPY 'd_VM probably_RR be_VBI privy_JJ to_II Manifold_NN1 's_GE secrets_NN2 as_RR21 well_RR22 ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 leaned_VVD forward_RL ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 notice_VV0 you_PPY did_VDD n't_XX mention_VVI the_AT human_JJ experimentation_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" That_DD1 's_VBZ because_CS there_EX is_VBZ n't_XX any_DD ,_, "_" Maddox_NP1 said_VVD ,_, looking_VVG at_II the_AT floor_NN1 ._. 
Ridley_NP1 smiled_VVD ,_, put_VVD his_APPGE glass_NN1 down_RP and_CC picked_VVD up_RP the_AT folder_NN1 on_II the_AT tabletop_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 opened_VVD it_PPH1 and_CC began_VVD reading_NN1 ._. 
"_" Boy_NN1 ._. 
Fifteen_MC years_NNT2 old_JJ ._. 
Admitted_VVN to_II Mass_JJ General_JJ Hospital_NN1 because_CS he_PPHS1 sliced_VVD off_II the_AT tip_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE left_JJ index_NN1 finger_NN1 while_CS ..._... trying_VVG to_TO dissect_VVI a_AT1 frog_NN1 in_II his_APPGE basement_NN1 ._. 
The_AT year_NNT1 was_VBDZ 1986_MC ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 looked_VVD up_RP ._. 
"_" Sound_VV0 familiar_JJ ?_? "_" 
"_" How_RRQ did_VDD you_PPY get_VVI access_NN1 to_II my_APPGE medical_JJ history_NN1 ?_? "_" 
