BUTTERFLY EFFECT

PATTERN RECOGNITION

Crunch University - Chemistry Department
Friday, March 17 - 9:44 AM
The chemistry building was one of the newer structures on campus, built during Chera's last period of prosperity before the decline accelerated. It showed-the labs were well-equipped, even if the equipment was aging, and the building maintained structural integrity that older campus buildings lacked.
Rivera met with Dr. Sarah Okonkwo, head of the neuropharmacology program. She was a woman in her fifties with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor.
"You're here about Kenji Chen," she said before Rivera could ask, gesturing him into her office. "Campus security called this morning, said FBI might be asking questions. This is about the Velora girl, isn't it?"
"I can't discuss details of an ongoing investigation, but yes, we're investigating Destiny Velora's death. I need to know about Chen's work here."
Dr. Okonkwo sat behind her desk, her expression troubled. "Kenji is one of my most brilliant students. Top tier research, innovative thinking, dedicated to his work. If you're suggesting he's involved in something criminal, I need more than vague suspicions."
"I'm not suggesting anything yet," Rivera said carefully. "I'm gathering information. Can you tell me about his research focus?"
"Neurotoxin interactions with cellular mechanisms. He's particularly interested in how compounds cross the blood-brain barrier and affect neural tissue. His thesis work involves developing targeted drug delivery systems."
"Transdermal delivery?"
"Among other methods, yes." Dr. Okonkwo's eyes narrowed. "Agent Rivera, the toxin that killed that girl-are you saying it involved transdermal delivery?"
"The medical examiner believes so. Using a carrier compound that enhanced skin absorption."
The professor sat back, her face pale. "That's... that's exactly the kind of system Kenji has been developing. But for therapeutic purposes-cancer treatment, neurological disorders. Not for..."
"Not for murder," Rivera finished. "What can you tell me about his behavior? Has he seemed unusual lately? Stressed, secretive, anything out of the ordinary?"
Dr. Okonkwo took a moment to think. "Kenji has always been somewhat solitary. He works odd hours, prefers to be in the lab alone, doesn't socialize much with other students. But I attributed that to dedication and perhaps some social awkwardness. Many of my graduate students are intense and introverted-it comes with the territory."
"Has he ever expressed any unusual views? Strong opinions about social media, influencer culture, appearances?"
"Not that I recall specifically, but..." She frowned, remembering. "There was an incident last semester. The department hosted a visiting speaker-a science communicator who'd built a large social media following. Kenji attended the talk and afterward, during the Q&A, he made some comments about the 'superficiality of popularity' and how real science was being overshadowed by 'aesthetic performances.' It was a bit aggressive, made some people uncomfortable."
Rivera made notes. "Do you remember the specific date of this talk?"
"October, I think. I can get you the exact date."
"Please. Has Chen had any disciplinary issues? Any concerns about his lab work?"
"No formal issues, but-" Dr. Okonkwo hesitated. "There have been some inventory discrepancies. Small amounts of various compounds gone missing over the past few months. We attributed it to sloppy record-keeping, but now I'm wondering..."
"What kinds of compounds?"
"Mostly neurotoxin precursors and carrier system components. Nothing that would be immediately alarming on its own, but collectively..." She trailed off, the implications hitting her. "My God. If he's been stealing materials to synthesize something harmful..."
"I need access to his lab workspace and inventory records. And I need to know his schedule-when he's typically here, when he's not."
Dr. Okonkwo pulled up her computer. "He's scheduled to be in the lab today from two to six PM. His workspace is in Lab 4B, third floor. I can have building security let you in, but Agent Rivera, if Kenji is dangerous, shouldn't we evacuate? Warn people?"
"Not yet. If he realizes we're investigating, he could destroy evidence or flee. For now, this conversation stays between us."
She nodded reluctantly. "His records are being pulled now. But agent, Kenji has keys to this building, to the labs. If he is your killer, he has access to enough dangerous compounds to hurt a lot of people."
That thought had occurred to Rivera. A chemistry graduate student with both the knowledge and access to create sophisticated poisons was exponentially more dangerous than a typical killer.
"I'm requesting additional security on this building immediately," Rivera assured her. "In the meantime, is there anyone Chen is close to? Lab partners, friends, anyone who might know about his activities outside work?"
"He mostly keeps to himself, but there's another graduate student, Maya Rodriguez, who works on similar research. They share lab space sometimes. She might know more."
"Where can I find her?"
"She should be in the graduate student office on the second floor."
Rivera thanked Dr. Okonkwo and headed out, texting Park another update. The evidence was piling up-lab access, stolen compounds, the right expertise, behavioral red flags. They were close. He could feel it.
He just hoped they were close enough.