Drake Sisters 04 - Dangerous Tides

Harry discounted my findings and only used parts of the Ibenkiki without Balansia. His theory is that the fungus is much like an invading cancer, taking over the cells of the plant."

    Libby frowned. "You're talking about ergot alkaloids. Many of the ergot alkaloids have a poisonous effect on the central nervous system. It can be very, very dangerous. That's how LSD was discovered.
    And I have to tell you I suspect, along with many others, that that's what led to the frenzy of witch trials here in America in the 1600's. The colonists ate poisoned rye and people hallucinated and went a little off the deep end. And before you argue with me, I'm very well aware, dopamine is a derivative and is used to treat Parkinson's disease and that ergot fungus is the base for many of the drugs fighting migraines."

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    "It's all about serotonin. Don't you see that? It makes perfect sense. I know I'm right, Libby. I always feel it when I'm on the right track and this is it. The drug has to contain a certain amount of Balansia. We have to determine those amounts. The chemistry of the brain, particularly that of the adolescent brain, remains an essential field for investigation."

    She pulled into the driveway of his house. "Good luck, Ty. If you don't meet me at the house tonight, I'll come looking for you."

    "I'll be there. I've got a few errands to run, but I can't really work here in such a mess. I might be back and forth though, trying to salvage what I can." He leaned over to kiss her.

    "I'll pick up some groceries this afternoon and stock the house with a few supplies," Libby promised.

    Tyson slipped out of the car, his mind already racing with the possibilities. There was so much to do.
    First and foremost, he was going to call Edward Martinelli and let him know about the potential to fix any problems with the drug.

    Sam was lying on the couch, holding an ice pack to his face when Tyson let himself in. He shoved the pack under a pillow and managed a wan grin. "I didn't expect you. I took a couple of days off work. I figured black eyes and a broken nose and sore ribs were just a bit too much. I doubt I'd be of much use."

    Tyson hesitated, struggling to shift gears, trying to think of everyday details instead of allowing his racing mind to dictate that he ignore his cousin's needs. "Did you eat? I can get you food or something to drink,"
    he offered.

    Sam's mouth gaped open. "What?"

    "I was just worried maybe you hadn't eaten," Tyson persisted, feeling a bit like a fool. "I can make you something."

    "Like what?" Sam challenged.

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    Tyson shrugged. "Eggs with curry in them."

    "Curry?" Sam echoed faintly.

    "Curcumin is the yellow pigment used in curry spice and currently is being investigated for its potential in prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The curcumin appears to block and break up brain plaques that cause the disease."

    Sam stared at him for a long time. "You're giving me a headache, Ty. I don't want eggs with or without curry. I'm going to take a couple of sleeping pills and sleep the day away."

    Tyson nodded and started out of the room.

    "Where were you last night? You didn't call and I was worried. I knew you were going to talk to Ed."

    "I'm sorry." Tyson rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Ed said he never sent those men after you. I'm wondering if Harry had something to do with it. And yesterday I asked Libby to marry me."

    There was dead silence. The clock ticked loudly. Sam sat straighter, twisting his fingers together hard before looking up. "Are you sure that's what you want, Ty?"

    "I've known for a while. I bought a house close by. Things won't change that much, Sam. I'm only here three months out of the year as it is."

    Sam sighed. "If you're really sure, there isn't much I can say. I hope you're happy with her. I really do."
    His face brightened a bit, although his smile was still strained. "At least I can attend all the Drake family get-togethers. That's something to look forward to. The guys at the firehouse are going to be jealous." He stood up and made his way to the stairs leading up to the bedrooms. "What are you doing today?"

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    "I've gotten a lead on what might be causing problems with this drug. I need to salvage some of my equipment if possible, so I'll