Chapter 33
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The data files from Aegis Therapeutics arrived exactly as promised, contained within a heavily encrypted hard drive. Noah immediately handed it over to Dr. Aris Thorne, the foundation's chief of pediatric neurology, asking for a full, unbiased review.
Later that afternoon, Noah decided to clear his head by visiting the physical therapy wing. The large, brightly lit gymnasium was filled with the sounds of encouraging therapists and hard-working children.
As he walked through the room, he noticed a new therapist working with a young girl who was struggling to balance on parallel bars. The therapist was a young woman with fierce, curly dark hair and an incredibly patient, encouraging demeanor.
"You've got this, Lily," the therapist cheered softly. "Just one more step. Focus on your core."
Noah watched in admiration as the little girl successfully took a step, her face lighting up with a massive smile. The therapist high-fived her and helped her back into her chair.
"She is making incredible progress," Noah said, approaching them.
The therapist turned, her eyes widening slightly as she recognized him. "Mr. Whitmore. Yes, Lily is a fighter. I'm Maya, by the way. I just started here last week."
"Call me Noah, please," he smiled warmly, shaking her hand. "Welcome to the team, Maya. Where were you working before this?"
Maya’s smile faded slightly, a shadow crossing her features. "I was a senior rehabilitative specialist at Boston General. And before that... I briefly consulted for Aegis Therapeutics."
Noah’s posture straightened immediately. "You worked for Aegis? With Dr. Mercer?"
"I did," Maya said, her voice dropping to a cautious whisper. She looked around to ensure no one was listening closely. "Noah, I heard the rumors that Aegis is trying to buy their way into this foundation. You cannot let them in."
"I am currently having their trial data independently reviewed," Noah assured her. "Dr. Mercer seems very confident in AT-7."
"Silas Mercer is a salesman, not a healer," Maya said fiercely. "I left Aegis because I saw what happened to the early trial patients. AT-7 does stimulate nerve growth, yes. But it also causes severe, agonizing micro-spasms in the muscles. The patients I worked with were in constant pain, but Aegis buried the reports, claiming the spasms were 'temporary adjusting pains'."
Noah felt a cold chill run down his spine. "Are you absolutely sure about this, Maya? If they buried severe side effects, that is criminal."
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"I'm sure," Maya nodded, her eyes filled with genuine fear for the children. "But they scrubbed the official data. Your doctors won't find it on the hard drive Mercer gave you. He only shows people what he wants them to see."
Noah gripped his crutches tightly. The war wasn't over. A new wolf had just arrived at their door, wearing a white lab coat.
