Part 2

Michael didn't have to call Operations. He found him in Medlab, checking on North. "Anything yet, Michael?"

Michael explained what Rita had told him and that she was bringing Curlly down to answer some questions. Operations nodded. Just then one of the doctors returned.

"Sir, their conditions are deteriorating. The blood pressures are spiking and we are getting no response from any of them. The fevers are at critical levels. If we don't soon find out what they were given, we're going to lose them. At the very least, they will suffer permanent brain damage."

Operations was feeling helpless and he didn't like it. So he vented his anger at the doctor. "You will not allow that to happen. We can't afford to lose these people. Do you understand? Do everything you can to keep them alive. We'll do what we have to to get you the antidote."

Rita and Curlly arrived. Operations and Michael were anxious to hear what Curlly had to say.

"So, Curlly," Operations began, "Rita tells us that you all went to lunch together today."

Curlly nodded. "Yes, sir. We went to Amanda's Diner. We go there a lot."

Operations nodded and watched her face. "So, why is it that they were poisoned and you seem fine?"

Curlly knew where he was headed with that question and she didn't like the implication. "I don't know sir."

Operations smirked. "Perhaps you poisoned them."

Curlly wanted to slap him but curled her hands into fists to resist the temptation. "No sir, I did not. They are my friends. I would never hurt them."

Michael knew she was being honest. "We know, Curlly. Please, do you have any idea how someone could have gotten to them? Why all of them and not you?"

Curlly sighed. She thought back over lunch. "We all traveled together to and from the restaurant. We sat together and ordered together. Everyone was fine. I never left the group. I was with at least two of them at all times. Michael, I don't know. I can't think of anything. None of us ordered the same food or drink. I just don't..." Then it hit her. "The mousse!"

Operations was stunned. "Moose? What moose?"

Curlly nodded. "They all ordered chocolate mousse for dessert. I ordered cheesecake. That has to be it, sir. There is nothing else that could explain it."

Michael nodded; it made sense. Now they at least had a starting point. He immediately ordered Davenport to send a team to the restaurant and find the person that had made the dessert. Then he turned to Rita.

"Rita, you stay here and monitor things. You're in charge of CLHQ now until they recover. I have someone I need to see."

Operations was about to stop him, but Michael glared at him. "We need answers. I'm going."

"Fine," Operations mumbled. "But get back here quickly."

Michael turned and walked out of Section. He jumped into his car and headed downtown. It didn't take long to reach his destination. He parked along the street and hurried into the apartment building. He made his way to the number he was looking for and knocked. He could hear noise inside, so he knew the man was home. The door opened.

"Ello .... Michael! Nice to see you mate. I was just showing Daphne here around my new apartment. She's a lovely bird, don't you think?"

Michael turned to Daphne. "Excuse us a moment," and then he pulled Mick out of the apartment and slammed the door shut.

"Hey, Michael. Take it easy. No need for the rough stuff you know. So, what can I do for you?"

Michael pushed Mick up against the wall. "Someone poisoned three of our people. We believe it happened at Amanda's Diner downtown. I want to know who did it and what they used. And I want to know yesterday."

Mick straightened his jacket and took a deep breath. "Okay, fine. Is everyone okay?"

Michael stared at him and Mick began to fidget. "You know, Michael. I'm not the bad guy here. I do know some of your people."

Michael looked up and down the hallway before answering. "No, they're not fine. They are all critical."

Mick nodded. "Oh, that's bad, mate. Anyone I know?"

Michael sighed. "Mick, I don't have time for 20 questions. I want the information now." Mick moved away from Michael, afraid that his nose would once again meet Michael's fist.

"Okay, Michael, I'm on it. But at least let me know who is sick. It might be an extra motivation, you know what I mean."

Michael could give him all the motivation he needed, but couldn't afford to waste time with threats. He needed Mick's help, as much as he hated to admit it. Sighing he relented. "Northstar, Kathy and Sherry."

Mick nodded. "Sorry old chum. So this is personal."

"Yes, it is. So don't waste my time. If she dies, or any of them, I'm coming after you."

Mick held up his hands. "Now Michael. Haven't I always come through for you? I'm on it. Just have to get rid of Daphne. How do I reach you?"

Michael thought about it. He couldn't bring Mick to Section, and he didn't want to sit around here waiting. Then he had an idea. "You have Rita's cellphone number?" he asked.

Mick nodded. "Yeah, I do. That Rita, she's one wicked popsicle."

"Call her when you have what I need. She can reach me." Then he turned and left.