A cold sweat breaks out on Mike's skin seeing the syringe. He didn't believe for an instant that it was any sort of cure anymore. It could be anything, but there were rumors about things like truth serums out there. He'd assumed they were mere urban legends, but if the man had a box that brought people back from the dead, nothing was off the table.

He hesitated for a moment, trying to remember his cover story. "I um...thought it would give me a leg up. Once I'd learned enough I could start my own company. Use what I learned and either partner with you or buy you out." It came out in a rush. Made up on the spot, but it sounded believable.