Page 242 of Dark Love

Still not helping.

“We all use pseudonyms, but I know half the people in the group. It’s on an invitation-only basis, so there are no weirdos that can slip in.”

Fake names and private invitations to a forum are all that stand between the world and death for billions of people. I really wish I didn’t know that.

“It really isn’t hard. A master’s student could craft a disease that could wipe out most of the world in their basement with a few simple tools that can be ordered online.”

She’s just making it worse.

“It’s important for doctors to be prepared to identify and deal with whatever might pop up.”

Shock steps forward. “Why hasn’t that happened yet?”

“Because most people aren’t stupid. Especially master’s students. There are a few out there that are suicidal and even a few that are homicidal, but not many people can stomach the idea of genocide. Because that’s what these diseases are capable of. Which makes the discussion theoretical.”

In theory, my friend Barb, an ER doctor, knows how to destroy the world. And so do far too many other people. I’m buying a deserted island. Dahlia and I are going to move there and live away from all this nonsense.

Right after I fix all the messes people keep throwing in my lap. “You need to get out of that group today.”

“But it’s safe. Almost no one knows it’s me.”

“Shock, how long would it take for you to get the names of every person in that group?” He probably already has it, but she doesn’t need to know that.

“Five minutes. Maybe less.” Shock meets Barb’s eyes as he says that.

And we both watch understanding dawn on her.

“And how long to find out every person that has accessed and read these little theoretical conversations?” Because I’m going to need every single name on that list to find out who this new threat is coming from.

“That will probably take a little longer. Like fifteen to twenty minutes.” Shock moves to take a step towards Barb to either comfort her or catch her as the color drains off her face, but stops.

Good thinking. Barb needs to wake up and stop doing stupid things that could have life-altering effects for all of us.

“I’ll leave the group.” Her shoulders sink in defeat.

Barb needed this group. This social outlet.

Now isn’t the time to worry about her having a bad day. Keep her alive. Then worry about the rest.

Or maybe I don’t need to worry about the rest. “Shock, I want you and Barb to work together to get me every scrap of information about this group and the people that have read it.”

“You don’t have to worry about that much information. The forum purges the information once a month.”

Shock shakes his head. “They tell you that, but most forums keep everything backed up.”

“But… but…” Barb shuts her mouth.

I’ve had enough of these two. “Get me the information. I’ll be in my office.”

On the way down the stairs to my office, I message Payne.

Me: It wasn’t what we thought.

Payne: Oh good.

Nothing that just happened remotely resembles good.

Me: Barb did something stupid.

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