FIVE

Peter Hubbard motioned privately to Wanda Lindstrom, arid they moved to a corner of the laboratory, whispering. Elizabeth noticed, but went to the kitchen to put up coffee. They could all use a hot brew.

Hubbard was telling his colleague he thought the new circumstances called for the “Plan B” which the two of them had prepared. It involved risks and it might not work at all, so there was no sense telling any of the others, Hubbard urged. It would be premature and cruel to arouse hopes in these people who had already suffered too many setbacks.

Wanda Lindstrom agreed. Making sure they were alone, Hubbard went to the carton that Craig Soaras had received specially from the Chatham police chief that morning. The scientist tore open the red container. A small red box in heavy packing lay safely inside. Its warning label seemed to stare back at Peter Hubbard.

The scientist nodded to Wanda Lindstrom. Assuming the storm and the fire would be over by the next morning, they could put the plan into action then.