“Barry? Come in my friend, come in.” Entering the house of Albert Desmond, Barry can not help but notice how each time he came to visit, the home began to look more and more untidy and chaotic. His friend was not faring so well either. His eyes dark and his skin pale, Barry could tell that Albert had not been outside his home for quite sometime. He appeared to be getting more and more obsessed with his work – whatever that secret work may be, for he never disclosed to Barry the full nature of what he had been working on. But that was not what Barry was here to discuss. Not yet, anyway.
“Hello, Albert. How have you been?”
“I’ve been doing well, well indeed. In fact, my work has been so sound, that I feel it could be any day now for a great discovery. How is your work coming along?”
“Well, I’m sorry that this isn’t entirely a social call. I’ve got another sample of some of Captain Cold’s ice, and I was wondering – “
“Say no more, my friend. These distractions you bring me are always fun to take my mind off of my work.”
Working diligently for an hour with Barry’s assistance, Albert Desmond proves that his reputation in being a genius when it comes to the elements of our world is not without warrant. “Interesting. Very interesting indeed. Apparently, the chemicals which have been holding together the freeze rays he’s been blasting are becoming weaker and weaker. The only reason that his freezing ray has survived this long must be due to prolonged exposure to an icy atmosphere.”
“Thanks Albert, you’ve been a great help.”
Smiling as much because he had helped his friend as he was because of recognition for his skills, Albert nods his head in consent. “Of course, Barry. Obviously, that crude fool Keith Kenyon is no where near as smart as he thinks he is.”
Inadvertently reminding him about the other reason he had come here, the reason he had put off for quite some time, Barry looks away for a moment, disliking confrontation. Finally, he speaks up. “Albert, what’s your relationship to Keith Kenyon?”
The question hangs in the air for a moment, sounding almost like a challenge, or at least a declaration. Taking in a breath, Albert finally responds. “Why do you ask?”
“I found some of Kenyon’s files while investigating him with Detective Curtis. I didn’t read through it all, but I know enough. You worked on the Speed Force Theorem along with Professor Thawne, didn’t you?”
Not even bothering to deny it, Albert shakes his head. “Thawne is a fool. He only saw what could be gained through the Speed Force, and not the type of questions it raised.”
“Look Albert, I haven’t come to the police with this information yet, but if you tell me what it is you were working on with Kenyon, I’m sure it would go easier for you.”
“Come now, Barry! We men of science are not governed by such crude laws. The only worthy rule is that of discovery – and anything that hinders what we are trying to accomplish should be swept aside.”
“That’s not true. We have a responsibility as scientists to work for the people, use our knowledge to help others.”
For a moment, Albert Desmond’s face loses color, and then the man appears sad –sad that his friend could not comprehend what he was trying to make him understand. “You just don’t comprehend the true nature of science. You can’t possibly understand what I’ve been working towards.”
Looking into his friend’s dark eyes, Barry does not like what he sees. “What are you talking about Albert?”
Without another word, Albert motions for Barry to follow him. Leading him underground to his laboratory, Barry is shocked by what he sees. “What have you done?” Knocking him from behind, Barry passes out instantly from the blow he receives directly toward his head. Even the fastest man alive can’t get out of the way in time if he doesn’t know he’s going to be hit.
Looking down upon him with truly sympathetic eyes, Albert Desmond feels pity for Barry Allen. Bending down, he whisper’s into Barry’s ear, hoping he can hear him, somehow. “I am sorry, my friend.”
To be continued
