Page 93 of Airborne
“He hasn’t been infected.”
“I’m confused. Is Trey linked to this?” He straightened. “Did Powell mention our son?”
“No, sir. If your son has made medical discoveries, his notes may expedite the progress of a vaccine for other viruses. Since Powell and your son spent time together, did Trey tell you what they discovered?”
“Why? What am I missing? The FBI hasn’t contacted us.”
“Sir,” Andy said, “they’d be here if they believed Trey’s research could help this case. I’m the one responsible for our visit today. There’s a Facebook group page for those who’ve been recipients of Mr. Powell’s generosity, and I reached out to see what everyone was doing. When I learned Trey’s death occurred the day before hewas scheduled to start work at Lawrence Labs, I came by to talk to your wife. I regret I’ve not kept in contact.”
Mr. Alvinson glanced out a window to the street. No doubt his thoughts reflected what Andy hadn’t said. “Sorry, but I can’t help you. Mr. Powell has Trey’s information.”
“Sir, are you certain Mr. Powell received all of Trey’s research notes? Is there any place he could have put them?”
“Powell had them before Trey died. My wife and I requested a copy at the funeral, but he declined. We planned to read them together as a legacy before presenting them to Baylor.”
Chad jumped in. “Did you consult an attorney?”
“We were told Mr. Powell had legal access. The cost to pursue legal action is expensive.”
Chad despised what life and circumstances had done to these people. “Where is the lab located?”
“In an office building in the Memorial area. My wife and I checked for Trey’s belongings and learned the lab had been closed. All the equipment, furniture, and personal items had been removed. We requested more info but got nowhere.”
“Did you ask Powell why he closed the lab when he wanted someone to continue Trey’s work?”
“He said the loss of our son hurt him so badly he’d decided to give up the project. Powell still claimed ownership.” Mr. Alvinson’s lips quivered. “It’s an emotional whirlwind. One minute, I’m grateful for Trey’s education, and the next I’m angry Powell confiscated the notes.”
“Did you check Trey’s apartment?”
“Someone had broken in and destroyed most of what he owned.”
“What did the police say?”
“Open case.”
Sounded familiar. “You have experienced a tragic loss.” Chad meant every word. “We appreciate all you’ve told us.”
Chad and Andy rose to leave, but the Alvinsons stayed seated.
“If Trey’s research helped to develop a vaccine for a virus,” Mr. Alvinson said, “would you give him recognition?”
Chad shifted. Was the couple aware of what Trey had discovered? “Yes, sir. We want to help those infected and to be blunt, clear my name. Your son’s legacy would be intact.”
Mr. Alvinson and his wife exchanged gazes. “We may be able to help you. We found a handwritten journal inside his duffel bag. We assume he left it that Saturday night as though he wanted us to find it. It contains some of his notes but little else, a mix of personal and professional reflections. There may be something you can use. His handwriting can be difficult to decipher. Neither of us have been able to read it all the way through without breaking down. Maybe when the pain softens.”
Chad poured compassion into his words. “Can I look at the journal?”
Mr. Alvinson disappeared and returned with a thick leather binder and handed it to Chad. “Take all the pics you want, but it stays right here.”
“I’d do the same in your position.” Chad opened to the first page of handwritten entries.
“Three-quarters of the way through is an unusual statement,” Mr. Alvinson said. “The pages aren’t numbered but dated as in a journal, and the one I’m referring to begins July20.”
In my efforts to mutate the dengue virus to find a cure, I stumbled upon scary data results, a new virus.
November23: I’ve decided my research is more important than I could ever imagine. If what I’ve found is already out there and has killed people, further testing will prove it. I will not stop until I discover an antiviral.
February22: The results are conclusive. Mr. P. said he...
