A Beautiful Poison

by Lydia Kang

The forensics department was rapidly but quietly gaining fame for scientifically and systematically finding murderers, no matter how inconvenient.

With the clean hand, he opened his palm, motioning to the small laboratory surrounding them. “Welcome, Mr. Jones, to the chemistry of death.”

At the word sister, Mr. Cutter finally turned around. He blinked several times and stared at Allene, as if waiting for her to speak further.

“Be careful, boy. When you’re this thirsty, you can reach for water, or you can reach for gasoline. One will kill ya, but you won’t know the difference until it’s too late.”