Unfortunately, this was all under the patronage of Tom Chiles, whom he despised, which justified the use of the accidental information he had just overheard. Accidental? who am I kidding, he thought.
His offshore trust would be receiving a ‘buy’ instruction.
Although Tom Chiles had some clout with ‘the association,’ his diplomatic skills needed to be sharp. An extremely secure meeting had been called unexpectedly to deal with the rising public criticism of the FDA, the NIH (National Institute of Health), as well as the CDC (Center for Disease Control). Tom had accepted the challenge to handle any issues and now his fellow members of Big Pharma wanted answers.
“Tom,” said Albert Ashbury, CEO of the second largest pharmaceutical in the world, “you promised us six months ago that these issues would soon be behind us. What the hell is going on?”
“You’re right, Albert… I did, and they will be. As you know, the political arena has been altered and we have had to introduce some new solutions.”
Frank Morrison, CEO of Brinkly Salsman, the fourth largest drug company, slammed his fist on the table, “Give us that in English, Tom”
“It means that the election brought us a new congressman that we have not, as yet, been able to corral. Next week, there will be some news that will change the picture considerably,” said Tom.
They both looked curiously at each other and, finally, Frank spoke up, “Can you fill us in?”
“No,” said Tom, “…and that’s the only answer you would want.”
***
Marty pushed away from his desk and started pacing, wondering if he was going to survive to see his vision reach fruition. The pressure from Derek had been crushing.
With the upcoming cruise, Marty had been prepping with every contact and internet source available in anticipation of the meeting with the congressman. He realized that Dr. Arthur Kenmore would be doing the heavy lifting, but Marty needed to have the very latest information at Kenmore’s fingertips.
He continuously thanked God for Nancy who had basically built the office single-handedly. A receptionist had been hired and interviews were underway for additional staff. Bank accounts had been opened and office equipment and supplies were being stocked. The telephone and electronics were functional and almost complete.
Nancy leaned into Marty’s office. “Mr. Cooper?” …startling Marty from his brooding, “the IT people are here and we need to meet.”
Marty hung his head… “OK. Are they in the boardroom?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ll be right there.”
The IT company had been recommended by Tom Chiles and, unbeknownst to Marty, had extra instructions.
As Marty and Nancy finished the briefing on all the equipment and its operation, Nancy noticed some suspicious anomalies. She was certain there were listening and tracking capabilities on everything. She knew this because what had not shown up on her background check was that, in her teen years, she had developed a strong interest in computers and became an amateur ’hacker.’
She knew what she was looking at and her first impulse was to raise the issue. Then it occurred to her that this was powerful knowledge. She would have to talk to Kelly.
Kelly answered on the first ring.
“Kelly! I need to see you. Where are you?”
“I’m in the building coffee shop.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes… but…”
“I’ll be right there,” and she hung up.
Nancy rushed in, spied Kelly, and strode purposely to her table and sat down. “I just confirmed some original suspicions I had,” said Nancy excitedly, “the IT people have finished. Every piece of equipment has been tampered with and it is very sophisticated. Whatever transpires in our offices will be available to whoever had this ordered.”
With a startled look around, Kelly responded under her breath, “I don’t think we should be seen together here.”
“Oh, damn. I never thought about that.”
“Well, don’t worry about it this time. Now start at the beginning.”
“I don’t think I told you I have a little knowledge with computers and software in my history.”
“No… I didn’t know.”
“Well, I have. Yesterday, when we were working with the IT people, who, by the way, were recommended by Derek, I noticed something disturbing. After they left, I checked and found that every telephone, computer, laptop, and tablet has been altered to be remotely monitored. In other words, everything that happens in that office is public knowledge to someone.”
Kelly gasped, “You’re kidding. This is like the conspiracy theories that we laugh about.”
“I wish I was kidding… and furthermore, I think we may be wired for voice monitoring as well.”
Kelly sat stunned, “But why!”
“You tell me!” blurted Nancy, “we obviously need to be careful and I want to do some thinking. You live in Plano. Right?”
“Close! I live up in Frisco.”
“Today is Thursday. Let’s meet on Saturday at 3. Do you know that little coffee shop in the Shops at Legacy? I forget the name…”
“Java Jive Joint!”
“Yes,” said Nancy.
“Works for me. See you then.”
For the life of her, Kelly could not fathom the surveillance that Nancy had discovered. It obviously was in anticipation of some sort of fallacious activity. But what? By who?
On occasion, she had read what she thought was mere conspiratorial twaddle about mysterious events and even deaths associated with the pharmaceutical industry. But even if there was any element of reality, what could that have to do with Marty’s office. He was merely gathering information for the support of the drug industry’s products. It was information available to anyone if they used Cooper Consulting.
The only hypothesis she could visualize was that it was for internal surveillance. If that was true, then Marty was the main target and, by default, Nancy.
This obviously was a precautionary defensive action. The IT group had to have instructions from Derek. She remembered on occasion she had heard him recommending the IT company to other companies and individuals.
Then ‘the light went on.’ She had been asked to purge any records of previous association between Chiles, Arken, and Associates and Marty.
Cooper and Associates was a service for the entire industry, not just Chiles. Any confidential information communicated to Cooper in competitors’ consultations would covertly be available to Chiles. She reflected further. The spectacular growth of Chiles, Arken, and Associates now began to come into focus. What other furtive operations had been enacted over the years.
The scope of the malfeasance was astonishing! She began to revisit her intentions. If her speculations had any validity at all, she was in a ‘game’ for which she was ill-equipped.
***
In three days, on Sunday, Myra and Marty were to fly to Venice. Myra was madly preparing which included some new outfits. Northridge Mall was not far from Marty’s office, so she thought she would ‘pop’ in the office and see how things were coming along.
Stepping off the elevator, she was shocked at the progress in the last few days. The reception area was ready for whatever decorations were arriving. She saw Marty and a woman conversing in the board room with some workers.
Marty spied her through the glass and waved her over. As she approached the door, the woman turned. Myra almost gasped. She was stunning. Jealousy flooded her body.
Marty came to the door. “Myra… what a nice surprise.” He hugged her and then turned and said, “Nancy Stone, meet my wife, Myra… Myra, meet Nancy Stone.”
“Mrs. Cooper,” beamed Nancy, “I finally get to meet you. I have heard about you nonstop. Such a pleasure.”
There was slightly awkward pause, then Myra spoke, “Thank you.” She replied brusquely, “I could say the same thing about you. From what I understand, you have single-handedly brought this office to life. My
congratulations.” She said haughtily.
The silence was deafening
“What brings you here?” enthused Marty.
“I was just doing some shopping for our trip,” she said as she glanced again at Nancy.
Feeling some discomfort, Nancy demurred, “Let me get back to the IT guys. Great to meet you, Mrs. Cooper.”
“Let me show you around,” offered Marty.
Myra couldn’t help herself. “She’s very attractive, Marty,” she said scornfully.
“…and extremely competent,” Marty bristled, “…and what kind of tone is that?”
Myra flushed “…I’m sorry, Marty, she just caught me by surprise.”
“It’s not like you to be rude,” chided Marty, “that was embarrassing.”
Her blush deepened. “Oh, God… I am so sorry. Do you think she noticed?”
“I don’t see how she couldn’t. Myra, she has been a godsend to me… us. I could not be anywhere near where I am without her. Is this going to be a problem?”
“No… No… Should I apologize or something?”
“No. Let’s let it lay and maybe later you can find an opportunity to make it up to her.”
“…So,” Marty continued, “…what do you think? Fabulous, isn’t it?”
“I can’t believe it, Marty. It’s like it was just sitting here, waiting for us.”
“Exactly. Now I’ve got to go and finish with the IT guys. Do you want to wander around for a while?”
Myra shook her head, “No. I should go and besides, I’m embarrassed.”
“Don’t worry. If it comes up, I will smooth it over and then you girls can start of on a different foot.”
Myra leaned into him and gave him a long hug and kiss. “Thanks Marty. I love you.”
“I know,” Marty smiled, “I’m very lovable.”
She smacked him with her purse. “See you back at home.”
Chapter 6
When Tom had heard about the congressman’s new hardened position, together with the added pressure from his peers, there was only one answer, which made him uncomfortable. However, comfort was not in the equation.
He had placed a call to his contact yesterday and awaited the return call on his ’burner phone.’ He smiled ruefully, remembering his contact had warned him never to trust the telephone system.
The ‘burner’ cell buzzed. “Yes,” answered Tom.
A quiet, deep voice said, “Are you available now?”
“Yes,” responded Tom.
“Pipi’s at Park and Preston in thirty minutes. Ditch the phone.” …click! Cloak-and-dagger had never been Tom’s forte but… ‘when in Rome… etc.’
He pushed open Pipi’s door and the hostess smiled cheerfully, “May I help you?”
“I am meeting someone,” responded Tom as he scanned the restaurant. By the window, sitting alone with a low-slung hat and a newspaper was the man he only knew as Monk.
“That’s him. Thank you,” he said and walked toward the table.
The man did not look up as Tom sat down, but said, “Did you ditch the phone?”
“Yes.”
“Here’s three new ones. One per call,” he said as he slid a paper bag across the table. Still not looking up, he growled, “Tell me quickly about the job.”
“A gentleman, by the name of Chet Barnes, will be on a cruise with you starting on Sunday. The details are on this paper,” Tom said, sliding the folded sheet across the table.
Monk stared at the paper, “You mean Congressman Chet Barnes, don’t you?”
“Yes,” replied Tom.
Monk pushed the paper back to Tom, “This is not a normal deal.”
Tom raised an eyebrow, “Is it the money?”
Monk paused. “Partly,” he said, gazing out the window. “…Are there multiple stops on the cruise?” he asked. Tom was stumped. “I suppose so… yes,” stammered Tom
“Good!” …another long pause. “Now, to the money!” he said, taking back the paper.
“I understand your difficulties and the need for haste. I also understand the substantial positive financial repercussions after the fact.”
He raised his head slowly, “The price is one million dollars. Half upfront, wired in the usual manner when I call you, and half on completion.” A shiver went through Tom as he stared into the cold, dead eyes. The look said ‘we are not negotiating.’
Tom nodded, “What do you need from me?”
“Nothing. I will contact you when I have made arrangements.” Monk rose and walked away.
Tom stared at the receding figure, realizing that he knew very little about Monk, A friend of a friend had recommended him some years ago, and he had proven to be efficient and dependable, albeit expensive. There had never been the slightest hint of trouble.
Even if Tom had tried to do a background check on Monk, he would have hit a wall. Although he had no formal training in the worlds of espionage, assassination, covert operations, or any other aligned enterprises, Tom would have been surprised to know that Monk’s expertise had been acquired right there in the Dallas metroplex.
He had grown up in the Lake Highlands area in a middle-class home, but, definitely, not typical. His full name was Franklin Carol Monkman. He was an only child and was extremely gifted. There was nothing that Monk, as he became known, could not learn. His inquisitiveness was legend and great things for him were forecast.
Alas, all things were not as they seemed. From the moment he was born, he was introduced to violence, both in and out of the home. His father, a former military man of unknown origins, was secretly employed, on a piecemeal basis, by the underworld and had no qualms in exposing his son to the workings of that dark underbelly of society. As expected, Monk became a seething, ticking timebomb, with an incredible intellect.
On one occasion in his early twenties, he had run afoul of the law and been indicted on a felony charge of manslaughter in the death of a young woman. A good lawyer and some well-placed intimidation had led to an acquittal. However, during the process, Monk had learned two things:
He vowed never to be careless and be caught again, and that the world of eliminating people was a very lucrative business.
After a mysterious fire at his home, in which both his parents burned to death, the rumor surfaced that his father had reneged on a huge debt to some shady people and the organization had paid someone $50,000 for the ‘hit’ and Monk was rumored to have done the job.
After the incident, Monk stayed just long enough to show, as best he could, his sorrow at the loss of his parents and then proceeded to drop off the face of the earth for more than twenty years during which time he perfected his acting and killing talents. The reason for the disappearance was well known. The contractor for the hit considered Monk’s father’s debt to be a family matter inherited by the son.
***
Tom finished his coffee as his musings were interrupted by the waiter with the check. He paid the bill and headed to his car. Suddenly, it occurred to him that having made this decision, the cruise agenda was irrelevant, but for appearances, it would be wise to continue the charade.
Pam was leaving Tom’s office as Tom exited his private elevator carrying the small paper bag of phones. It surprised her that he didn’t look his usual, confident self. In her history with Chiles, Arken, and Associates, she had never seen anything but certitude in his manner.
“Pam, get me Derek,” he barked and slammed the door to his office.
“Mr. Maurrel’s office,” answered Kelly.
“Mr. Chiles for Mr. Maurrel,” said Pam. Kelly connected to Derek.
“Derek… get up here,” Tom barked.
“Be right there.”
As forceful a personality as Derek was, there were times in Tom’s presence that he was intimidated. Usually it was when asked to follow through on something that transcended his personal boundaries. As always, he could vindicate those decisions with the balm of rationalization: We are saving people’s lives. He approached Tom
’s office, wondering if this was another one of those times. He rapped on the door and entered. Tom was sitting in the corner ‘library’ and waved him over to the other chair.
“How’s our boy doing?”
“Marty? He’s doing great. His office is close to fully operational, the systems we talked about are being installed as we speak and he has an executive assistant that is very effective and, I might say, drop-dead gorgeous. If he wasn’t going on the cruise, I am sure he would be staffed up in a week or two.”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about.”
“What? Staffing up?”
“No… the cruise.” Tom resettled in his chair, “how confident are you as to how Marty would be under pressure?”
It was Derek’s turn to shift, “Uh… What kind of pressure?”
“What if he were to come under some legal scrutiny of a criminal nature?”
Derek paused, “I guess that would depend on whether he had done something and was trying to hide it. I don’t think he would ‘hold up’ if he was asked to lie.”
“But if he hadn’t done anything and didn’t know anything?”
“I think he would be very indignant in voicing his innocence.”
“Good,” muttered Tom.
Confused, Derek ventured, “What’s this about?”
Tom hesitated… “There may be an incident during the cruise. Suffice to say that it is positive for us. He will not be involved, but there’s no doubt that there will be an in-depth investigation and I just wanted to get a feel for his stability under duress?”
Derek smiled, “Well, if he doesn’t know anything, then he doesn’t know anything. Right?”
“So be it,” Tom grinned. “Now on to something else. I have decided Pam should be on the cruise. Her workload has been rather strenuous lately and she needs a break. I just wanted you to be aware. Perhaps as Marty is circulating, he could introduce her around.”
“I’ll apprise him,” agreed a now paranoid Derek. Very odd, he thought, ’Is Tom using Pam to monitor his people?
***
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