That night, he was startled by a headline and lead story that quoted the government bulletin. The science editor had a field day, tying in speculation that "Doctors Suspect Love Bug Epidemic."
The next day, three reporters called upon him, each with the same query. "It's rumored that you are doing research on the Love Bug, Dr. Murt. Anything to report?"
He shooed them out angrily, after learning that someone at Ebert Labs had given them the tip. Phyllis smiled at him as he slammed the door after the last reporter.
"You still discount the Love Bug idea, don't you?" she asked.
"I dislike sensationalism in a matter like this," he said. "Even if their assumptions were true, I wouldn't like it."
"You can't blame the papers. They're starved for some explanation. I pity your passion for anonymity if your virus proves to be the causative factor."
"My virus?"
"Certainly. The whole project is under your auspices and direction."
"See here, Phyl, you did the work."