Damascus Code

by Merri Christi Pemberton

  Evelyn went on, “Even at that, finding a donor match can be very difficult. You have to have a marrow that closely matched the person in need."

  Avalon agreed, "Often siblings are donor candidates."

  "Do you have any siblings?" Silas inquired.

  "No,” Evelyn answered quietly.

  Silas began rubbing his chin in discomfort. "We’re going to do our best to find a medical and scientific explanation for your experience."

  Evelyn took Silas’ hand in comfort. "I know that you are a scientist, and my experience may be hard to believe. You must have faith. Believe what I know."

  "I am very open and willing to take that chance. For our mission, however, we need to know the process of your transformation. Did the mutation just disappear, or did the impact of the light somehow spark the production of fetal hemoglobin and suppressed the adult hemoglobin, which can cure sickle cell?"

  Evelyn smiled, “I don't know, but maybe these records can be of some help". She reached into the opened security box and pulled out a folder. She passed it to Silas. He opened the plain manila folder and found Evelyn's medical records from her childhood. He silently took a big sigh of relief. These were good enough for now. That is until they found the most recent medical records. The childhood records documented a pattern of Evelyn’s doctor and hospital visits for each sickle cell crisis. Her symptoms ranged from crippling pain to even small strokes over the past 10 years.

  “Look at the records with the pink tab, behind all the others,” instructed Evelyn.

  Silas pulled out the records with the pink tabs, which were made shortly after the event. He read the results of her most recent examinations. His eyes moved from left to right, then stopped abruptly. He just stared for several seconds.

  Avalon noticed. "Silas?"

  Silas looked up. "These records confirmed her healing." He explained, “There is a one-page summary from her current doctor confirming it.”

  Evelyn, satisfied with his answer, got up from the table. "I think we can do with some coffee this time."

  This gave Avalon and Silas more time to compare notes.

  Silas was overcome with total shock."Being healed just like that from a genetic mutation you've had since birth?"

  “It’s the break we needed!”

  Silas noticed a small folded piece of paper with a pink tab. He unfolded it. Maybe this was another medical record. What he began to read gave him another pause.

  "What is it?"asked an excited and curious Avalon.

  Silas continued reading, "It's a note from Dr. Harwin Phoenyx, her specialist."

  "Okay?”

  Silas turned pale as a ghost. He grabbed a gulp of air. “Dr. Phoenyx had written an article in the Medical Science Today Journal in 2000. That was at the time J. Craig, along with Francis Collins, announced the sequencing of the entire human genome. Dr. Phoenyx has been involved in the breakthrough research of DNA and genetics since the 1980's, when a team of scientists began the project to map the human genome.”

  Avalon was now bursting at the seams. "Wow,” she whispered. “We have to track him down! Is there a contact number?"

  "No Avalon, wait—.”

  Avalon grabbed her smartphone from her handbag. "What's the number?"

  Silas took her phone. “No, Listen.”

  Avalon tried to grab her phone back. "What are you doing?"

  Silas’ had the phone in a death grip, “This document mentions him as Dr. Ezra’s research partner. He's also dead.”

  Avalon froze. Her hand covered her mouth to muffle her gasp. “When did this happen?"

  Silas shared even worse news. "He was found dead shortly after Evelyn's test results came out, according to the dates documented."

  "Oh no!" Avalon shook her head in disbelief.

  He continued. "He died last year on February, just months after everything went down."

  “And Ezra disappeared—.”

  Silas finished, “He disappeared this past February--the anniversary of the death.”

  Before Avalon say anything else, Evelyn came with the coffee. “I hope you guys like a little caramel flavor in your coffee. It's my favorite.”

  Silas scratched his head—uneasy about the topic they must tackle now. “Evelyn, I read the note in your folder from Dr. Phoenyx.”

  "Yes,” Evelyn cheerfully answered. “He was a genius."

  “Yes he was, said an increasingly scared Silas, “I heard about his unfortunate death—it happened shortly after your incident.”

  Evelyn poured the coffee in silence.

  "Do you know Dr. Benjamin Ezra?”

  Evelyn was still quiet. She took a long sip of coffee. Silas was not going to let this go. He was about to press her for more answers, but Avalon placed her hand on his wrist. Silas waited.

  Evelyn finally answered. “Dr. Ezra was with him during my examination. Is he dead too?”

  Surprised at the question, Avalon answered, “He disappeared recently.”

  "Do you know him personally?"

  Silas nodded, "I have mentors and colleagues who are familiar with both Dr. Ezra and Dr. Phoenyx.”

  "I heard a few whispers that what happened to both men could have been on purpose,” Evelyn shared, “They are just that, whispers.”

  Now Silas knew Evelyn was hiding something.

  Avalon had the same feeling and asked, “Evelyn, are you sure they were just—.”

  Evelyn exclaimed, “Whispers, nothing more.”

  Avalon shot up both her hands in surrender…apologized profusely. She screwed up. The once cheerful woman now had shaking hands, but she struggled to regain her composure. The three agreed to drop the questioning and finished coffee with light conversation. Avalon and Silas had good information, but was it enough?

  An hour later, Silas and Avalon found themselves on the streets of Gaslamp Quarter. At any other time, this would have been a wonderful stroll in San Diego's bustling entertainment and restaurant district. It was 5pm, and the streets were busy with people getting off from work and students celebrating start of summer vacation.

  As they passed by the Westin Hotel, clubs and many shops, the two were plotting their next move. Adding to finding the blood sample and Dr. Ezra, now they must look into Dr. Phoenyx's mysterious death. That meant a visit to the St. Andrew's Hospital in Los Angeles. They left San Diego next morning.

  The Phoenyx Mystery

  Next Morning 10am—St. Andrews Hospital minutes from Koreatown.

  They arrived at the 50-year old St. Andrews. The opposite of Cedar Sinai Hospital, this red brick building swung open its automatic doors to let Avalon and Silas in. The interior was a welcoming lobby, as welcoming as a hospital could be. Avalon couldn't help but admire the décor of serene maritime paintings of boats and calm seas, greenery strategically placed between the wall paintings, and the faint trickle of water flowing from a small stone waterfall near the reception desk.

  They got in line to talk to the receptionist. An older woman, in her 60’s, was in front of them. Her daughter has been in labor since last night. Avalon and Silas waited patiently.

  A parade of visitors walked in and out of the elevators just north of the receptionist table. The small snack shop, a few steps from the fountain, was busy. Avalon noticed a couple having coffee there near, where there were a few tables placed along the windows. The woman, brunette, looked down at her coffee. Her fingers tapped nervously along the cup. Her male companion had his hand placed firmly on her forearm. He was talking to the seemingly distraught woman. She never looked up.

  This made Avalon temporarily forget her current mission. She remembered all of the celebration and life that surrounded her and Silas in downtown San Diego. During their rental car drive to the hospital, everyone was going about their business in Los Angeles. People were out shopping and carried bags of new purchases, foodies were congregating at the farmer's market and checking out the restaurant hot spots in Koreatown, and tourists wildly snapped pictures of the Hollywood Walk of
Fame.

  All of these experiences were the direct contrast to the scene of the man and woman in the snack shop.

  One was talking and the other was looking down in silence. There's something so normal, but so cruel about it all. Who knows what situation they've found themselves in. Was it an injured child, a dying grandparent, a major surgery for a parent; what was it? All Avalon knew was that it seemed their world was put on hold, as it went on for many others on this sunny day.

  Silas tugged on Avalon's hand. It was their turn. The short and stocky brunette receptionist smiled and said with a British accent, "What can I do for you?"

  Silas said with his unmistakable charm. "We are students from Aberdeen University."

  "Aberdeen,” she exclaimed. "That is a great school!"

  "Yes it is,” said Silas. “We’re doing a summer research project on genetic mutation diseases, namely sickle-cell."

  "That is a good cause! We have two physicians who are renowned experts in that field."

  Avalon spoke up, "Wonderful! Is there a way we can make contact with them today?"

  The receptionist accommodated them. "We have one who is going on lunch break in about ten minutes. His name is Dr. Aaron Bonaparte. The other physician, Dr. Lane Mavery, is in the lab until about 5pm. I can contact Dr. Bonaparte to see if he could introduce himself on—.”

  Silas politely interrupted, "Well, Ms. Brody, we were actually wanting to meet Dr. Phoenyx.”

  The receptionist was stumped. She slowly confessed, "Well, you see dear, Dr. Phoenyx passed away about two years ago."

  The duo continued to play dumb. Avalon shook her head, "No, oh no!"

  Silas picked up the fake shock from there. "We had no idea. I am so sorry."

  Ms. Brody shook her head in pity over the whole unfortunate situation. These two lovely students were hoping to meet the great Dr. Phoenyx. They came a long way from the United Kongdom to only find their goal was for nought. Or was it? Ms. Brody, feeling sorry for them, began working out a good solution to help.

  "Well, I don't want you to leave with nothing,” beamed Ms. Brody, "I had a brother to graduate from Aberdeen. Bless him! He wouldn't forgive me if I let two lovely students leave without their research.”

  The two lovely students looked so innocent in appreciation. They both thanked the gracious receptionist.

  “There is a lab technician who worked quite extensively with Dr. Phoenyx on his genetic disease research. He should be able to provide you some insight into his work, which you can include in your research."

  Silas was elated. "Splendid!"

  "Thank you Ms. Brody,” Avalon beamed so wide-eyed. "We do appreciate your help.”

  Ms. Brody didn't intercom the lab technician, Mark Sheldon, but called him via phone. She explained the Avalon and Silas predicament, and hung up the phone with a proud look on her sweet rosy face. "Dr. Bonaparte’s lab assistant Mark Sheldon will see you. He worked with Dr. Phoenyx as well.”

  Ms. Brody gave them directions to the lab where Mark Sheldon works. They were to the elevator and go down to the lower floor and turn right. The hall would take them right to the lab the third door down.

  The duo headed over to the elevator for the first floor. It’s time to put the game face on and pray to God that this leads to Ezra, blood sample, and answers on Phoenyx.

  The Lab

  Silas pushed the button on the lab's heavy grey door. A buzzer sounded, which notified staff that an approved guest needed to get in. The door opened and there stood a skinny young guy, not much older than the twenty-something duo. He took one look at Avalon and grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Avalon and Silas,” said the young researcher.

  "Yes, that's us,” answered Avalon. “Are you Mr. Sheldon?”

  The young guy blinked. He fancied the attractive Avalon. “I am. Please come in.”

  The two entered the lobby of the very spacious lab. Its lobby allowed for a long window exposing the lab’s interior, which boasted state of the art equipment. From laser equipment to stations for running protein and blood analysis, this place was Silas’ dream workshop. He would have loved to check this place out more thoroughly, but didn't want to seem too eager. They had to be very careful in explaining their mission to Sheldon.

  Flat out lying would put the two young detectives into a high risk situation. Lies take too much work to keep straight. One screw up of a lie could set off a whole chain reaction. Telling the whole truth, however, would alarm Sheldon and may get the students kicked out of the hospital all together.

  Sheldon pulled out a chair, which was near the small lab receptionist window at the head of the lobby. He placed it in front of a leather couch against the wall beside the lab entrance door. He motioned for Avalon to sit on the couch. Silas was about to take a seat beside her, but Sheldon intervened.

  "No, you get to sit there." Sheldon pointed to the chair. Sheldon immediately sat beside Avalon. Silas was a bit surprised, but caught on very quickly. "Oh, so that's how he wants to do this,” said Silas’ inner voice. He cleared his throat and sat obediently in the chair—turning it to face the couch. He grinned tightly, but politely thanked the sneaky little snot.

  "Thank you for meeting with us Mr. Sheldon.”

  "Oh, it's my pleasure." Sheldon reached to shake Silas’ hand. Silas grabbed this upstart’s hand with a strong grip. Sheldon smiled like an imp.

  "So, I hear—.” Sheldon yanked his hand back. “that you are interested in the late Dr. Phoenyx's research for a little school project."

  Silas didn’t flinch at the little school project slight. "Yes, we are.”

  Now this uptick in tension between the two guys caught Avalon off guard. She

  Sheldon shifted towards Avalon. He extended his hand. Avalon reached for a handshake. The sly researcher took her hand and kissed it. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well,” he said with gentility.

  Avalon stumbled with the uh um’s.

  "Oh, thank you,” Avalon said after finding her voice. “We appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to see us."

  “Of course. What can I do for you exactly?"

  Silas began to make their case with care and precision.

  Sheldon was a twit, but a sharp man.

  “Avalon and I were hoping to speak with someone who has good insight into Dr. Phoenyx's genetic research."

  Sheldon peered over his thin silver-framed glasses, as if he was looking down at Silas, "Why not speak to Dr. Barrett?"

  "Because our project requires study into any breakthrough research on the genetic mutation that causes sickle-cell.” Silas told the partial truth. “Dr. Phoenyx's research meets that need."

  "Dr. Barrett is your man,” Sheldon protested. “He has a reputable expertise in sickle-cell study."

  Silas shook his head, "No. We’re looking for much more than expertise. Avalon’s brother has suffered a great deal with sickle-cell."

  Sheldon took Avalon’s hand and held it gently. He sympathetically whispered. "My goodness, I am so sorry!"

  Avalon finally caught on to Sheldon’s angle. He developed a soft spot for her. "Thank you.

  He’s had some severe symptoms. So, I want to do some good with our work.”

  Sheldon, still holding her hand, let out a deep sigh. "Well, are you looking for more information on one of Dr. Phoenyx's experiments for new treatments?"

  Avalon looked deeply into his eyes and smiled sweetly. She then looked down slightly. "We heard about a very special research he was conducting. We heard that he was working on a blood analysis for a woman with sickle-cell. She apparently was stricken with an electric charge, which resulted in her following examination showing no signs of the condition. Her genetic mutation somehow transformed into its proper form."

  Sheldon just stared at Avalon; this time it wasn't adoration. "I see", he said.

  Avalon noticed the change in tone to something more skeptical.

  "You know that sickle-cell traits start from birth. It's not something you can just heal or
prevent—according to the research that I have seen thus far—and I’ve been part of many."

  "Yes, I completely understand Mark." Avalon explained gently, "But, you’re the only person I believe could help us.”

  “I don’t think—.”

  Avalon interrupted, “We would like to know what was his theory in how this electrical current spurred correction in her genetics?"

  Sheldon spoke up, more loudly than before. "I can't help you with that, but I can refer you to Dr. Barrett for the latest treatment.”

  Silas tried to ask more questions. Sheldon bulldozed his efforts.

  “I have to get back to work, but I'll walk you out." Sheldon got up and rushed the two students out the door. He came out with them into the hallway.

  He then lowered his voice to a whisper. "Listen, let's meet at Len’s BBQ on Wilshire Boulevard at 7:00pm. My treat. We’ll talk more."

  Before Avalon and Silas could thank Sheldon, he rushed back into the lab lobby. The door shut behind them.

  Two Chefs, Not Enough Room To Cook

  Len’s BBQ was a lovely Korean BBQ restaurant on Wiltshire Boulevard. Just down the street from LA’s upscale Genwa BBQ, Len’s wasn't too full that evening and very intimate.

  Avalon, Silas, and Sheldon were seated in a corner booth. Sheldon cleaned up very nicely. He shed his lab coat and tan slacks for a crisp white buttoned shirt, first two buttons unbuttoned, and tailored black slacks that were slightly fitted. His shoes shined and hair was properly styled with a bit of gel. His glasses only complimented a very trendy-intellectual look he had going on.

  This time Sheldon was seated across from Avalon. He could barely take his eyes off of her. Avalon was an exciting young woman—Sheldon could clearly see that. Her black strapless dress, which slightly hugged her trim figure to the knees, was simple and elegant. Her silver teardrop necklace reflected the light with a glow. Her dark hair was up in a smooth ponytail with bangs swept to the side.

  Silas also cleaned up very well, but he wasn't as flashy as Sheldon. He had a thing for slim ties, so his shirt was buttoned up to the top. He went with dark grey slacks to match the tie color. The pants weren't so fitted, but still a very smart outfit overall.