We were a pretty gloomy bunch when we returned to the lab. Theridialis just shook his head slowly, jowls jiggling a little. Dad slumped into a nearby chair while Sassafras circled the room, tail straight up like a flag waving as he made his agitated circuit.

"There has to be a way." Dad stood suddenly, brow low over his eyes. "What haven't we considered?"

"There are more tests I can run." Theridialis didn't seem all that positive, but my need for hope latched onto his ...