The Delta Factor (31 page)

Yes. With such a man Fernando de Cunhor could definitely be partners.

So for him, this time, the cold ruthlessness was merely show. And a warning. And Owen MacKenzie's seething rage was nothing more than a reply that he understood, that he accepted the challenge.

When the details were hammered out and the terms settled, both men relaxed as much as they could while still in the presence of a former adversary. Fernando de Cunhor sent Luis for an aperitif. Owen MacKenzie refused the liquor, but lit up a Havana cigar. The two men eyed each other with the calculating gaze of respectful enmity.

Owen MacKenzie asked, “How long before your men have the process up and running?”

When Luis had translated, Fernando de Cunhor replied in Portuguese. He understood English perfectly but preferred to use translators whenever dealing with foreigners. It permitted him an additional moment to think, and often allowed him to take advantage of slipups when the others became tired. “They say they can have the solution ready for spraying on the plants within three months. But you know scientists.”

“Yeah,” Owen MacKenzie growled. “I know scientists. Real well.”

“How long do you think it will be before the synthesization process is worked out?”

Owen shrugged. “Coupla years, then maybe another couple before the FDA approval process is completed. You won't have any of that kinda trouble down here, I take it.”

“No, poor countries such as my own cannot afford to waste time on disputing over fine points of biochemistry when tens of thousands die every day from viral-related illnesses.”

“Now that's the kind of sense I'd like to see more of in my country.”

Fernando de Cunhor listened to Luis's fluid translation and thought, what a waste. A fine young man with great potential, but flawed. Miserably flawed. And a failure. Fernando de Cunhor could not permit failure, especially not one as public as this.

No. Luis would not be with him long. A pity. He had such great hopes for the boy. But no matter. Because Luis was family, his departure would not be as public as his error. Instead, he would be kept here and treated well, so close to the Padron that none could think to accuse him of wrongdoing when the accident happened.

Look at the young man, all subdued and sorrowful, as though being apologetic would affect the outcome one iota. No, Luis was history. It was only a matter of time.

De Cunhor turned his attention back to the American. “Speaking of scientists, what of the woman, the troublemaker?”

“Yeah, she is that all right. But she's also in the spotlight, and she's got as good a chance as any of getting the synthesis process off the ground. We'll make good money in the rest of the world with your production here, but to crack the American market we've got to sanitize things. So the scientist lady is gonna be staying with us at Pharmacon.” Owen MacKenzie puffed hard on his cigar, until the tip burned ruby red. Then he released a great cloud of smoke and the words, “For a while.”

Bethany House Publishers is proud to introduce
The Delta Factor
, the first book in the intriguing new T
HOMAS
L
OCKE
M
YSTERY
series. In crafting this tale of suspense on the cutting edge of biotechnology, Thomas Locke draws on his professional experience with the international pharmaceutical industry.

Now a full-time writer, Locke has a passion for the mystery genre. He is pleased to bring his talent to contemporary thrillers on themes of good and evil, all told from a Christian worldview.

Books by Thomas Locke

T
HOMAS
L
OCKE
M
YSTERY
Series

The Delta Factor

The Omega Network