Chemotherapy

Early in the morning, James had the driver pick up Adrian from the mansion. 

He'd assumed his boss might be in poor shape after last night's drinking and was already preparing to reschedule some appointments.

Last night's meeting was with a senior tax official - an old devil who lived for his drinks and insisted on "negotiating over alcohol." With the corporation's rapid expansion, some connections were necessary. Thomas had taken many drinks for Adrian and was still so dizzy he'd called in sick for the day.

But Adrian got into the car just after 8 AM. As he slid his long legs into the spacious back seat, he remained silent. James sensed his boss seemed surprisingly... energetic?

Then he noticed something unusual: Adrian had fresh scratch marks on his right hand and below his neck. They were bright red, slightly breaking the skin, as if made just this morning.