Thanks, all, for the continued positive feedback. Here's the next bit, involving a bit of plot and a little more detail on how the chemical works.
I'll be going out of town next week, so Wednesday may experience a slight delay. But I may be able to get at least the first part up before leaving. Stay tuned!
Also, please find attached a document file containing Tuesday in its entirety.
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“...understand that what you're asking me for is a breach of my professional ethics.”
“I'm well aware. However, if you had been more concerned about your professionalism some years ago, you might not have lost your license. Don't forget who made all that mess go away. More importantly, don't forget who can make it all come back. Preferably in the newspapers.”
An angry hissing intake of breath. “You bastard.”
A short, harsh laugh. “Now, now, no need for that kind of talk. All I'm asking you for is a little favor.” A pause. “You had to know I didn't fix your problems out of the goodness of my heart.” That unpleasant laugh again. “To hear most people talk, I don't even have one.”
“It wouldn't surprise me.” A sigh of resignation. “Fine. Give me some info on what you need to know, so I'm not wasting your time and mine with false positives.”
Another pause, as if thoughts were being gathered. “Well. For starters, you can rule out all men, and any children or older women. What we're looking for will only manifest in females, and only between late puberty and menopause.”
“Well, that does help narrow it down.” Despite the attitude, there was a note of interest in the voice. “What sort of symptoms are we talking?”
“Primarily, there will be changes in measurements. Unusual weight gain or loss, changes in BMI, breast growth, changes in height--”
“Changes in height? Just what the hell is going on?”
“Ahem. I'm giving you the information you need, and no more. Unless you'd like to be more involved in this situation than you already are...?” Dead silence. “That's what I thought. As I was saying. Changes in height, muscle tone, visual acuity, or hair color. That covers the primary effects we anticipate are possible.”
“Christ. That's only altering the entire physical makeup of someone's body. No big deal,” came an extremely exasperated reply. “Anything you can tell me about what causes it?”
“Only that it would likely involve exposure to the municipal water supply at low temperatures, and that ingestion can cause full effects with far less exposure than skin contact.”
“Municipal supply...you're saying this shit is in the lake water? Wait. This has to do with that truck that crashed into the lake, doesn't it? Never mind, I don't want to know,” the voice finished. “Like you said, it's bad enough you're dragging me into this at all.” A brief pause, punctuated by another weary sigh. “I'll let you know if I see anything.”
“Thank you very much, Bruce.” Smiling to himself, Vannacutt replaced the phone's handset and turned back to his picture window.