“Yes, sir,” replied Kelly with a confused look. Shouldn’t the President of the company know something as important as a secret service investigation? she thought.
Kelly walked down the stairs to her own desk, which had accumulated a considerable pile of work over the last couple of days. She knocked on Derek’s door and entered.
Derek looked up from his desk. “Kelly… Have you had any conversations with Pam,” he asked, watching her intently.
“Yes, sir. We talked about arranging a charter.”
“Do you have any idea why they are suddenly returning?” Derek saw Kelly flinch.
“Mr. Maurrel, I was informed by Mr. Chiles that the secret service has instructed us that we are not to talk to anyone about the event.” There was silence… “Will that be all, sir?”
He waved here away, obviously in deep thought. The son of a bitch is keeping me ‘out of the loop,’ thought Derek. The president of the company was not supposed to know of a secret service investigation? You’ve got to be kidding!
Nancy arrived at Kelly’s desk just as Kelly closed Derek’s office door. “We have to be careful,” whispered Kelly.
With raised eyebrows, Nancy queried, “What’s going on?”
Kelly perused the room. Satisfied no one was within earshot, she apprised Nancy of what she knew of the circumstances regarding the congressman’s death, Mr. Chiles strange cell conversation, the disposal of the cellphone and her retrieval of the cell manufacturer’s numbers.
Nancy absorbed the information in silence. Finally, she responded, “What do you make of all this?”
“I don’t know what to think. I can certainly surmise a ‘worst case scenario,’ but it’s too overwhelming to contemplate.”
“What are you going to do with the cell information?”
Kelly shook her head, “I don’t know. Just file it in the same place we’ve filed the hacking information.”
With a faraway look, Nancy mused, “I wonder if Mr. Cooper or Pam know any more about this whole thing. I think I would feel safe ‘feeling out’ Mr. Cooper.”
“…um …any disclosure of our actions or suspicions would scare me,” responded Kelly.
“Me too. I’ll be very discrete. In the meantime, do you think you know Pam well enough to ask her anything?”
Kelly paused, “I’m not sure. She is pretty ‘closed up’ and it’s not as if we are good ‘buds.’ Let me play it by ear. In the meantime, you better go. I don’t want anyone to see us together.”
Nancy rose and started down the backstairs and Kelly went up the stairs just as she heard Tom’s private elevator in his office open.
Whew, thought Kelly.
***
The limo arrived as the G6 was refueling, so the group had a few minutes to gather themselves and freshen up. It was going to be a nonstop seven hours but, fortunately, the seats reclined into beds. Dr. Kenmore immediately isolated himself while the rest of the group lounged in the waiting area.
“You OK?” asked Marty, looking at Myra. She had been exceedingly quiet since the dinner and Marty was concerned.
She shifted around on the sofa and then, looking squarely at Marty, replied, “I am a complete disaster. I am a jumble of disappointment that we are canceling the trip, sadness at the death of Chet, horrified of the circumstances of the death, and just plain overwhelmed. Marty, you don’t think there is anything to these suspicions, do you?”
Marty smiled wistfully, “I don’t know, Myra. I am just trying to move on and deal with the personality problems. I just hope I get some time in the air to settle the Dr. down.”
“Do you think Norm is OK?”
“I hope so. He is a very level guy, so I don’t think this will be terminal.”
Myra hung her head, “Marty, the more I listen to the back and forth between Dr. Kenmore, Norm, and you, I can’t help but think that you are fighting a losing battle. Norm keeps coming at you with verifiable facts while Dr. Kenmore responds with rhetoric and bombast.”
Marty stared at her in confusion, “Myra, do you realize what you are saying? Our very livelihood is based on everything that I say and believe.”
“Then defeat Norm by defeating his factual arguments and leave the emotion to Dr. Kenmore.”
“I agree,” he responded, “I have to fight on two fronts. First, I need to blunt Norm and the COSM factual arguments with scientific response. Secondly, push Dr. Kenmore’s pedigree to the forefront. That leaves the public with the choice of believing a monstrously absurd conspiracy or the reasoned answers from the collective pharmaceutical research of Dr. Kenmore and other medical experts, delivered with the help of the world’s finest marketing and advertising community.”
Myra paused… “Marty, I understand the fundamental issue of our livelihood and the blitzkrieg of advertising and marketing to make the arguments, but… are we ‘right’ or are we just being expedient? I can’t even begin to fathom the guilt and shame if we are supporting what Norm views as the evil being systematically delivered on mankind.”
“Wow… Hold on now, Myra. Don’t you think you are taking this to an absurd conclusion? ‘Delivered on mankind?’ Isn’t that a rather egotistical view? Do you really think the pharmaceutical industry is that powerful?”
Myra hesitated again… “First of all, let me establish something. I don’t want these doubts to be true. I am enjoying this lifestyle as much as anyone and watching your success is thrilling, but I am beginning to see a larger picture and it scares me! Just below this glitz and glamour, there is a ruthlessness that is rather frightening.”
“In answer to your question, yes, I do think the industry is that powerful. Look at the history. For example; this isn’t just a Chiles, Arken cruise. There are reps of the most powerful Big Pharma companies that supply drug products to the entire world. So, let’s not downplay the scope of this industry.”
Marty was astounded, “Well… you obviously have been giving this a lot of thought.”
“Yes, and most of it in the last couple of days listening to your discussions and a little internet research. Marty… I’m not sure you grasp what your algorithms are going to do in the industry. Chiles, Arken have not put you in this position just ‘because you are a nice guy.’ Whether you are part of it or not, they are going to apply your ideas worldwide and…”
“Wait a minute, Myra. Am I hearing you say that you think they would try, in some way, to steal my proprietary property?”
“Marty, I am not smart enough to know what they can or will do. I only know that the questions that have arisen with the death of Chet have disclosed a horizon that frightens me and I want us to thoroughly examine our motives and the playing field as we move forward.”
The conversation had alarmed and dismayed Marty and yet, he was strangely proud of her stance for three reasons.
Firstly, he had underestimated Myra’s interest and knowledge in and of his business. Secondly, the depth of her passion to ‘do the right thing,’ and finally, and most of all, the courage it took to address these issues that obviously threatened their very wellbeing.
But most disturbing of all was the logic that was squirreling its way into his heretofore unshakeable belief.
His mind went to the Herbert Spencer quote:
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance that principle is contempt prior to investigation"
Was he being contemptuous, or just operating out of self- centered fear that he would lose what he had or not get what he wanted?
Chapter 14
The flight was uneventful, with everyone sleeping most of the way. Dr. Clay Dearsome, sitting in the rear, dozed off and on while trying to string the dots together. The people on the flight appeared to be totally innocent and yet, there seemed to be a thread that went beyond the common denominator of the industry cruise. Until he could gather some forensic information, everything seemed random and coincidental; nevertheless, beyond his experienc
e and training, his ‘gut’ was saying something else.
The event, seen by Antonio in the terminal coffee shop, certainly deserved a long look. He hoped the results of the forensics on the trash contents would yield some positive results.
Antonio had met with a detective friend and given him a picture of Monk’s passport and asked for a follow-up on all trains, buses, and flights out of Croatia. Clay had already ordered a workup on the passport, the results of which he hoped were awaiting him in Dallas. The concierge in the dining room had informed the captain that the seating had been doctored. The cabin that Monk had occupied had been sealed for a forensics team.
Clay couldn’t stop the random thought of an assassination from wandering in and out of his consciousness. He had worked many cases, but the magnitude of that assumption was staggering. If it was an assassination, then a professional was involved. That being the case, he had to be hired by someone… then, who and why? A congressman certainly would have created enemies in his career. He needed to talk with the congressman’s executive assistant.
But why on a cruise? A difficult kill site. A professional could have picked anywhere… why there? Maybe it had to be done on short notice? How long had this mysterious guest been booked on the cruise?
He had a lot of work to do!
***
During the flight, Marty and Norm had been able to have a bit of an exchange. Norm pretty well maintained the COSM line, which was anchored by the strong and partially proven suspicions that the industry was withholding lab results that would prove that some, if not most, of Big Pharma’s releases were, at the least, premature and at worst, downright deadly.
Marty countered with – the FDA would not allow drugs to be sold if they had not met the FDA requirements.
Norm responded with an almost impenetrable counter: Namely – Why, then wouldn’t Big Pharma allow the FDA to release those results for examination by independent experts?
The nature of Marty and Norm’s relationship and their respect for each other allowed for a non-combative atmosphere. They both knew when an impasse had been reached and were willing to temporarily vacate the discussion.
However, the world that Marty serviced was not of the same temperament. He knew that their viewpoint was totally influenced by the ‘bottom line.’ They answered to only one master… Wall Street. Classic ‘laissez faire capitalism’ vs. measurable, long-term scientific verification.
Marty and Norm had finished their discussion as the Dallas skyline flashed past, and the G6 touched down at the Addison Airport. Over and above their respective viewpoints, nothing had been settled. They shook hands and promised to meet again soon.
As the plane taxied, Clay stood and addressed the group. “There will be a secret service agent meeting us in the terminal. I apologize for the delay, but we will need to hold you in an isolated room until we can complete individual debriefings.”
A collective groan was cut short by the bellowing voice of Dr. Arthur Kenmore, “Haven’t we had enough of this Nazi jackboot treatment. We’re on American soil and I will not continue to be treated…”
“…Dr.,” interrupted Clay, “as I said earlier, and I reiterate, this is now a secret service investigation and you will cooperate either voluntarily or we will have you restrained. Is that clear?”
“I want my lawyer,” blustered the Dr.
“When we have finished our debriefing, you can call anyone you desire. Right now, I need you to shut up.”
The G6 settled at the door to the terminal, the attendant unlatched the door, and the stairs lowered. Waiting at the bottom were two uniformed officers. The group was escorted to a waiting room where, after a few minutes, Clay opened the door and asked for Pam.
She stood and followed Clay down the hall and entered another lounge area.
“Miss Styles. This is Agent Richard Guy.”
“Hello, Miss Styles. Please, be seated.”
She walked to the proffered chair and sat.
“Could you please tell me what you told Dr. Dearsome concerning the events before and after the death of Congressman Barnes?”
Pam repeated the strange events leading up to the accident at the table. As the story reached the description of the hand, she hesitated. An image flashed through her mind.
“He was wearing a ring,” she blurted excitedly! She had not thought of it previously.
“Can you describe the ring?”
Pam fixed her eyes on the wall trying to ‘pull up’ the image of the ring.
“It had a diagram or symbol on it… a triangle in the middle… and… ah… kind of like arrows around it.”
Clay handed her a piece of paper and pen. “Could you draw it?” he asked.
“I think so,” responded Pam hopefully.
“Do you think you could pick out the symbol if you saw it?” asked Clay and Agent Guy.
“Possibly,” responded Pam.
Agent Guy rose, “Miss Styles, I will be at your office in the morning and we can look at some pictures.”
Pam rose, “OK… can I go now?”
Clay nodded, “Yes… and thanks. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Agent Guy, along with Clay, finished the individual debriefings and allowed everyone to return home with the admonition that they were not to talk with anyone.
***
Tom was not privy to the secret service investigation, but he knew they would be pursuing the case with a ‘full court press.’ Whatever was feeding their suspicions, some or all of it had to come from the scene, and that meant mistakes had been made by Monk, leaving Tom with only one conclusion. He was vulnerable! If, somehow, the investigation reached Monk, he could use Tom as a bargaining chip.
Tom paced the office like a lion… back and forth… back and forth… There had to be an answer.
The terminal rupture with Rob had left him without his usual ’go to partner.’ Tom could always count on Rob’s steady nature to support his decisions and now he was approaching his most difficult decision ever and was losing confidence rapidly.
Finding another Monk was not an option and, with his lack of experience, going up against Monk would be suicide. The only weapon he had was money. …and then, it occurred to him… he had a ‘patsy’… Derek! He knew Derek was extremely vulnerable, so it was time to take advantage. He hadn’t really come up with a plan, but first he needed to put Derek firmly in place.
Tom clicked the intercom, “Kelly… find Derek and have him come up.”
“Yes, sir”, she dialed Derek’s number.
“This is Derek Maurrel.”
“Mr. Maurrel, this is Kelly. I am calling on my cell from upstairs. Mr. Chiles needs to see you right now.”
Derek, with dread, walked up the stairs. He knew that this was IT! He was about to pay for his stupidity.
“Come in… Come in,” effused Tom, “thanks for coming on such short notice.”
What the hell is going on? thought Derek.
“Derek, I realize I haven’t been the most affable or communicative person in the world. I have had a lot on my mind, and frankly, I am ashamed and I apologize.”
It never ceased to amaze Derek how Tom could completely throw him off track.
“… Ah… It’s OK. No apology necessary.”
“Good… Good. Thank you. Now I want to address the ‘elephant in the room.’ I think that you know that I know you were the uninvited guest in my office the other day.”
Derek grimaced, “Tom, I…”
“Let me finish, Derek. I am sure that you were anxious to see your file you saw when I pulled it out of the safe. Let me say that I understand. I probably would have considered the same course of action had I been you. The only thing I am unhappy about is the attack on Pam. I also understand that panic ensued. So… Let’s just keep this to ourselves. And by the way, here is the file.”
Tom handed the file to an obviously stupefied Derek.
“You probably won’t like what you read, but has anyone ever liked their life
laid out for the world to see. As you know, I tend to be a little paranoid and I wanted to make sure I knew everything… just in case.”
Derek started flipping through the file. The more he read, the deeper the frown. “Wow! The further I go, the worse it gets. I don’t even remember some of this.”
“Well, don’t worry about it. It’s ‘water under the bridge’ and I am comfortable that our relationship is such that I needn’t worry.”
“Thank you,” mumbled Derek.
“Now… onto greener pastures.” Time to offer the carrot, thought Tom. “I have been contemplating your comments from the other day relative to the share structure and have concluded that your argument has merit and it is time to restructure. I am prepared to go to the board with the recommendation that you be issued an additional 10,000 shares, which would bring your holdings up to just under 2%.”
Derek was astonished! At the current trading price of approximately $87, that would add another $870,000 to his net worth.
“With your efforts to date, plus the addition of the Cooper piece, you have more than earned it. I just wish it could be more, but I hope this meets with your approval.”
Derek could only stare at Tom with a dazed expression, “Tom… I don’t know what to say.”
“Not necessary to thank me. You earned it. Let’s meet tomorrow and we can talk further. I have a little project that I may want you to work on with me.”
With his hand outstretched, Derek started toward Tom.
Tom chuckled, “Now let’s not get to carried away.” They shook and Tom turned back toward his desk. “See you tomorrow.”
Derek nodded and walked to the door still in shock.
***
Pam had arrived home and immediately gone to bed. After three hours of restless sleep, she called Kelly.
“Are you home?” asked Kelly.
“Yes. I am sorry, I should’ve called sooner but I was beat and I went straight to bed.”
“That’s OK. I understand.” Then she hesitated for a moment.
Pam heard the hesitation, “Are you OK, Kelly?”
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