Semua Bab Last Man Standing: Bab 431 - Bab 440

On the drive over, Howard got the lowdown on Xenagoras Pharmaceuticals. It was Mendorra's top dog in the pharma industry, a real heavyweight nationally.Their two star meds had snagged half the market, leaving competitors in the dust.Forty minutes ticked by, and the trio pulled up to Xenagoras' gates."Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Lincoln!" They barely stepped out when Nance came rushing, tossing a quick nod to Mystical Chubby."How's it looking?" Talia asked as they made their way to the lobby."The health department slapped a big red stop sign on us, along with a couple of other agencies. They've shut down production until they sort out this mess," Nance filled them in."Everyone we called in, are they here?" Talia pressed.Nance confirmed with a nod, "All here. Can't use the offices, so we've set up camp in the conference room."Talia's nod was heavy with concern.They entered the grand lobby and spotted a mix of uniforms, all busy directing the floor show."Hello!" Talia did not was

"You onto something?" Talia perked up at his words.The rest of the folks in the meeting room craned their necks, all eyes on Mystical Chubby, their faces a picture of curiosity."Yep." Mystical Chubby nodded. "This bad boy's got an extra kick to it, an ingredient that should not be there!"This stuff might pack a punch for a rare kind of cancer, but the side effects are a beast. Too much, and it's deadly."If my memory serves, this nasty piece of work got the ax years ago. Beats me why it's showing up in Xenagoras Pharmaceuticals' cocktail."A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.A moment later, the head honcho from Xenagoras Pharmaceuticals' testing department piped up, "Sir, I've got a bone to pick with you. Before any of our drugs hit the shelves, our company rigorously tests samples. So if what you're saying is true, why didn't our tests catch it?""The compound is almost identical to common targeted therapy medications, and there's only a trace amount in each pill. I

"You don't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation, do you?" Howard's voice was calm but carried weight."Are you aware of how many lives have been lost because of the materials you've supplied?""Cut the crap! The fault lies with Xenagoras Pharmaceuticals' own defective products, not me..." Bennett inhaled deeply, trying to maintain his composure.Bang!Before he could get the words out, he was sent flying, crashing into the desk behind him with a sickening thud. Blood trickled from a gash on the back of his head."Keep playing games, and you'll wish you hadn't. Ever felt your blood turn against you?" Mystical Chubby warned, pulling a gleaming silver needle from his coat."What... what are you going to do?" Bennett stammered, his body shaking.Zip! Zip! Zip!The needles pierced Bennett's flesh before his plea faded away."Ah..." A scream tore from Bennett's lips, and within seconds, he broke. "Enough... I'll spill... I'll spill...""Thought you had more guts," Mystical

"We've combed through Bennett's call logs and pinpointed thirty numbers that raise red flags," the voice from the Shadow Sect continued."The team split up to investigate, and one out-of-town number led us to a guy who was acting shady. Plus, he reeks of some unique medicinal scent. He's probably our guy.""Where is he now?" Judge pressed."He's just ducked into a diner for a bite.""Text me the location!" Judge demanded and then ended the call.He relayed the update to Howard, and within minutes, they were on the move.In under thirty minutes, Mystical Chubby pulled up at the entrance of the diner."Marshal, Judge, a pleasure to meet you!" the trio announced as they stepped out of the car, greeted by ten Elegant Uniformed Troops of the Shadow Sect's elite guard."Is our man still there?" Howard inquired."Right there in the hall, by the window. Can't miss him in that dark gray suit.""Keep watch outside. No one else gets in," Howard commanded before striding into the hall.

Before he could finish his rant, the Judge's hand cracked across his face. "You don't know when you're in over your head!""I'm from the Yagle family of Mareno City. How dare you mess with me? Are you asking for a death wish?" Jordan wiped the blood from his lip, his voice thundering with rage."Think you're Shadow Sect's hot stuff? I..."The sound of slaps echoed again, and Jordan's cheeks puffed up from the blows."One more word, and I'll end you right here." The Judge's voice was frigid.Jordan shivered, speechless."The Judge gave the Yagle family in Mareno City a two-hour notice. They will come to Mendorra to meet me, or they'll be picking up their precious heir in a body bag," Howard said calmly."Understood." The Judge nodded.Howard then turned to Jordan, his gaze sharp. "And the patients' bodies, where were they taken?""Who are you with Shadow Sect?" Jordan's voice trembled as he heard Howard brazenly summon someone to Mendorra, a chill of dread creeping up his spine