Thurman said, "The hearings will begin next week, Mr. Harker. We're here for a preliminary look-see, you understand."
"Of course." Harker glanced at Raymond and said, "Mart, have you been introduced?"
Raymond nodded.
Harker went on, "Mr. Raymond is the director of the labs. He'll conduct you wherever you would like to go, on the premises."
Raymond looked worried; Harker had seen the faint harried expression growing on the dapper lab director's face in the past few days. It troubled Harker. Raymond was a good organizer, a level-headed scientist—but he was showing alarming signs of crumbling under the sudden pressure brought about by Mitchison's treasonous press release.
Harker edged close to him and murmured, "What's on the schedule for the senators?"
Through tight lips Raymond replied, "The main event's a cadaver."
"You're going to risk it?"
Raymond shrugged. Worry lines tightened his cheeks. "We'll have to do it sooner or later. Why not now?"
Harker made no reply. Attempting a human reanimation in front of the senators was a long-shot gamble, even with odds of five to one in favor of success.