Read The Catalyst of Corruption (The Final Formula Series, Book 4) for Free Online Page B

necro blood prevents rot,” I said, remembering what Elysia told me.
    Doug nodded, then addressed Waylon. “Time of death will be difficult to pinpoint, but I would estimate at least a month.”
    â€œA month? No way,” Agent Bruner said.
    â€œAs Addie said, necromancer blood delays rot. You’re just going to have to take my word on it.”
    Agent Bruner frowned, but didn’t comment. I suspected he didn’t like being shown up, but he was smart enough to realize that Doug could offer some valuable insights he would have missed.
    â€œBut why the charade?” Waylon asked.
    â€œI don’t think it started out as one,” I said. “These men came here to pay back Ian and me for sending them to jail.”
    â€œIdiots,” James growled the word. “Ian would have just played with them.”
    â€œAnd Addie?” Waylon’s sharp gaze settled on me.
    â€œI can defend myself.” I waved away the comment, relieved that Waylon looked more amused than suspicious. “Anyway, these guys were interrupted by a necromancer.”
    â€œNeil?” James asked. “He’s the one who showed Gavin this place.”
    â€œA month ago, Neil couldn’t have commanded these men to remove the lid,” Doug said.
    â€œWhy not?” Waylon asked. “Neil is a necromancer as well as an alchemist, right?”
    â€œNeil was stunted,” I said. “He couldn’t touch his magic until he took the Final Formula—on the first day of spring.” Neil had also given Alexander the Formula, but I didn’t go into that.
    â€œThen who animated these men?” Waylon asked.
    I frowned at the three dead men. Why had it been staged to make us think George and Henry killed them?
    â€œAddie?” Rowan pulled my attention to him. “What are you thinking?”
    â€œWe need to determine how these men died.” I turned to Doug. “Was it something magical or…”
    â€œAlchemical?” Doug offered. “How would you know if alchemy was used? You can’t sense magic.”
    His comment brought back my new memory of Neil saying nearly the same thing. Unlike Neil, Doug didn’t smirk, but he clearly doubted me. The magical always doubted those without talent. It was moments like these that I fully understood the pride Waylon took in proving them wrong. I admired his determination, but I also knew he carried it too far.
    â€œWould you let us help you?” I asked Waylon. “Let Doug autopsy these guys? Let me study the toxicology reports and other lab findings?”
    Agent Bruner cleared his throat. “There are regulations. We can’t let anyone come in off the street and expect our findings to hold up in court.”
    â€œI am licensed,” Doug said. “You’re welcome to verify it.”
    â€œAnd I’m not going to be running any tests,” I said. “I just want to review the findings. Consider me a consultant, an expert in the field of alchemy. Unfortunately, I don’t have a license, but I can show you my tattoos.”
    Doug snorted, but Agent Bruner didn’t look convinced. “Director?”
    Waylon studied us, a frown creasing his brow. “All right. Dr. Nelson may observe the autopsies, and you may consult on our lab findings, Miss Daulton.”
    â€œCan I observe in the lab, too?” I asked. If the technician was agreeable, I could make sure any alchemical evidence was preserved.
    â€œOn the condition that you only watch.” The corner of Waylon’s mouth twisted upward. “I believe you set off the sprinklers last time you were there.”
    â€œHey. You know that wasn’t my fault.”
    â€œPerhaps, but it is my understanding that it is a valid concern.” Waylon glanced at Rowan, his smile larger.
    â€œDid you rat me out?” I asked Rowan.
    â€œNo. Your reputation precedes you.”
    Â 
    The PIA’s lab technician handed me the