"Now, dear boy, why would you want to do something like that?" Wexford held up the vial containing the scarab and looked at it the way a kid would look at candy.
Will looked up from the couch in Wexford's library. "Look, I need to have something I can use if Druitt tries to hurt Dr. Magnus or Ashley."
"But, from what you tell me, you weren't in control when you…transformed." Wexford's southern accent became more pronounced.
"I was hoping you could help me with that. Do you think there's a way I could have access to the powers I had but stay in control?"
"Hmmm, it's a possibility, certainly, but I am a researcher, not a scientist, son. Why come to me with this?" Wexford looked at him with a raised brow.
"I figured you'd know if there was something out there that I could use, that is, without letting that scarab burrow its way into my spine again." Will couldn't withhold a shudder.
"Mmm, yes, I can see how that would be unpleasant." He held up the vial again. "I suspect that this little bug doesn't necessarily have to be present to make the changes in you, just its venom. The presence of the scarab just keeps the changes constant and stable." He turned his head. Does Helen know you've come to me?"
Will broke eye contact. "Not exactly. She, uh, doesn't want me involved."
Wexford gave him a probing look. "Yes, well, when it comes to Druitt she tends to be a bit…shortsighted, doesn't she? I'd prefer it if you kept me out of this."
"Absolutely. Can you help me?"
Wexford held up the vial again. "I think I can refer you to someone who may be able to help you, but it will cost you."
"Great."
"It is much like an EpiPen used for anaphylaxis," Dr. Singh pronounced as he handed Will the tube. "It is not as strong as I would normally make it, but you still have traces of the venom in your system, and this will enhance the effects. Be forewarned, it works quickly but will only last about 30 minutes or so. Also, it will hamper your body's efforts at trying to finally expel the last of the venom."
Dr. Singh was the man Wexford had recommended. He had an office in the Old City that no one would notice if they hadn't been given directions. He was eager to help Will derive a serum from the scarab, and very interested in how it would affect the subject. He was a strange looking person, reddish skin, very tall, very thin, almost insect-like. His slanted eyes looked at Will closely. "Are you prepared to turn back into the creature you became before?"
Will looked at the vial closely and took a deep breath. "As ready as I'm going to be. Will it let me stay in control?"
Dr. Singh shook his head. "That I cannot guarantee. It is a weaker dosage, that is all."
Will nodded. "Okay. Thanks."
*****