The Phoenix Foundation’s safe house in Zurich smelled of old wood and strong coffee. Jack Dalton, nursing a third cup, glared at the surveillance feed. “I’m telling you, Mac, this guy Kessler isn’t a scientist. He’s a mushroom farmer with a grudge.”

Set between "The Gauntlet" and "Eye of the Viper." A rogue bio-weapons specialist threatens to release a genetically modified fungus into Zurich’s water supply. MacGyver has 28 minutes before the filtration system flushes the pathogen into the city. Act One: The Clock Starts

Thornton entered, holding a file. “Geneva wants a debrief. But first—Kessler asked how you knew the river was too cold for his fungus.”

Mac smiled slightly. “I didn’t. I read his body language when I said it. He flinched. That’s how I knew he hadn’t solved the temperature problem.”

Jack cuffed him before he could blink. “Should’ve taken the deal, mushroom man.”