Chapter 16
The whole way back to the Lab, Grissom was mumbling about studies of molecular diversification and taxonomic distribution. Brass just drove, contemplating the possibility that Grissom may indeed be able to help her. Guilt started to creep in, he began to think that Sara may not have had to go through the pain she felt for the past few months if he had just told Grissom where she was.
Back at the Lab, Grissom feverishly pulled every book on the Loxosceles arizonica spider he had captured. He methodically researched every text for even the slightest mention of the species. Grissom was reading, studying, absorbing theories upon theories that his fellow colleagues wrote. Once he felt he had all the information he needed, he pulled out a clean sheet of paper and titled it…Research for Sara's Life.
Carefully removing the spider from its glassy home, Grissom held a latex glove finger filled with a saline solution and poised it in front of the spider. "Now give me a little bite," he said coaxing the spider. The spider complied and latched onto the end of the glove finger and began to convulse. "That's a good boy; give me as much as you can."
For two days straight, Grissom studied, tested and re-tested the venom produced by the spider against the blood Sara had given to the Lab as a new-hire. Each time he failed, he cursed. Brass would stop by occasionally and bring him something to eat but Grissom rarely ate it. He was consumed with his research. Late the third night he was sitting at his desk peering through the glass at the spider circling the interior of the jar.
"I'm gong to have to cut you open." he said. "I've tried all the non-destructive testing I could, now you must give me your life to enable Sara to keep hers", he said as he dropped a fly into the container.
"Consider this your last supper".
Twirling the jar around in his hand, deteriorated pieces of hay jostled around the bottom. He noticed a dust begin to form within the jar itself. Grissom opened his desk drawer and pulled out his magnifying glass. Carefully studying the particles that could be seen floating in the air a look of revelation came over his face. "Mold….the mold spores have changed the environment. The spider is trapping the food and consuming it along with the mold spores! Damn!"
Grissom jumped up and searched for a clean habitat he could transfer the spider into. Patiently relocating the spider into the sterile jar Grissom whispered, "You get a stay of execution little guy, let's see if this changes your toxicity."
From the Author: In order to enhance your enjoyment, I have created a music video that describes the emotions that Grissom went through while working on a cure. Just go to the top of the page and click on Golffer5 next to Author. It should take you to my profile page. You will find the links there. I hope you enjoy. I loved making it.
