Green Kills

by Avi Domoshevizki

  “I understand. So I suggest our secretaries coordinate a time that’ll be suitable for both of us. Like I said, I’d be happy to come to your office to save you some valuable time.”

  “Before you drag yourself all the way to Chicago, perhaps we should agree on the terms of the deal,” Robert continued, not even trying to hide his pleasure at the fact he was now the one holding all the aces.

  “Gladly.”

  “Write this down,” Robert commanded. “The offer is valid only till Saturday the twenty-sixth. We’re offering to acquire TDO for three hundred million dollars. TDO’s shareholders will receive Mentor shares in exchange for theirs. The exchange rate will be based on the value of Mentor’s shares on the day the contract is signed. If you agree to the terms, I’ll clear some time for us to meet on Friday morning, and of course, I can extend the deadline, based on the progress of the negotiations.”

  “The offer is clear. Thank you. I understand that in the past you offered four hundred million dollars for the company —”

  “Patients die, a CEO kills himself, what did you expect? For the value of the company to rise?” Robert’s tone became coarse.

  “I’ll get back to you with an answer later on today. Have a good day,” Ronnie said with a pleasant voice.

  “Remember, you’ve got till Saturday.” The call was disconnected.

  Things are about to get interesting, Ronnie thought bitterly. He searched his computer for the phone numbers of the three other board members and began to make the round of calls.

  “Steve.”

  “Hi, Steve, this is Ronnie Saar, Henry’s replacement as chairman of TDO. We haven’t had a chance to meet yet, but I’ve heard some great things about you.”

  “Thanks. Sad story with Christian, isn’t it? How can I help you?”

  “An offer’s on the table to purchase the company. They’re offering us three hundred million dollars through a share exchange. I don’t have the offer in writing, but I believe it’s serious. In my opinion, it’s an extremely low offer — almost demeaning — and the moment we prove we were not responsible for the recent patient deaths, we’ll own a company that’s worth over a billion dollars. Anyway, I wanted to hear your opinion, as someone who’s been involved with the company longer than I have.”

  “Sell.” The brief answer surprised Ronnie.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Sell,” Steve sounded determined. “When the lawsuits against the company arrive, I prefer to be light-years away from it. Just make sure the contract mentions that the day the purchase is made, we’re released from all past debts and all future legal claims.”

  Ronnie was amazed. “You think there’s a chance the company is somehow responsible for the deaths?”

  “It doesn’t matter what I believe. The moment a lawsuit is filed, we’ll be at the mercy of jury members who don’t understand the first thing about microbiology or pharmaceutical development processes. You want to gamble on the results? I don’t. I’d rather gamble on things there’s a chance I’ll profit from. The company belongs to my investors, and I have a principle not to gamble with their money. I hope I’m being clear enough.”

  “Every investment is a gamble, but what sets us apart from gamblers and turns us into good investors are good judgment and the ability to assess the risks as well as the potential upside. In the case of TDO, I believe the chances of success are high,” Ronnie attempted to speak convincingly.

  “And I don’t! Will there be anything else?”

  “No. Thank you. I’ll let you know about my decision as chairman and the fund’s position soon.”

  “I think I know what the position of your fund is, and I hope you know the wise decision you should take as chairman. I hope you won’t force me to summon a shareholders’ meeting that’ll compel you to make the right decision.”

  Anger began to churn in Ronnie’s stomach as he dialed the second number.

  “Hans Schmidt.”

  “Hi, Hans, this is Ronnie Saar, I’m replacing —”

  “Yes, I know who you are. I just received a message from Steve to expect a call from you about selling the company. Allow me to save you the presentation. Sell. At any price. The gamble is too risky here. It’s better to earn less than lose all the money,” echoed the baritone voice on the other end of the line.

  “Hans, they’re offering only three hundred million dollars for a company that could easily be worth five times as much. Wouldn’t it be worthwhile for us to wait? Isn’t that the name of the game in our world? The big success story that’ll have your name appear on the annual Midas List of top tech investors?” Ronnie tried to appeal to his interlocutor’s ego.

  “We all want to be recognized as the best, but the graveyards are full of lousy gamblers. Ronnie, I really think we should sell — even at an unattractive price. The sooner, the better.” Hans mellowed down a bit.

  “OK. I hear you. With your permission, I’ll get back to you once I get the opinions of all the parties involved. Thank you for expressing your opinion in such a clear way. Have a good day.”

  “You too. I hope to hear from you soon.”

  Ronnie wasn’t surprised that his third call was almost identical to the first two. Sell. We mustn’t gamble. The sooner we sell, the better. Same messages and same manner of speech. It wasn’t a coincidence that David had waited to send the letter, Ronnie realized, he’d needed that time to get the investors on his side. Now they know my fund wants to sell. No wonder they’d all used the word “gambling.” It was the same word Henry spat in my face just a few days ago. This game is fixed, and I’m the only player on the field not in on it. On the other hand, perhaps I’m wrong and they’re right, maybe we should sell.

  Ronnie stood up and began to pace the room, trying to postpone the inevitable. Finally, he dialed Robert, and when the latter answered, said, “OK, Robert, the company’s board has agreed to the acquisition. Please send me a detailed offer and set up a time for our meeting.”

  “You’ve made the right decision,” Robert determined. “I’ll send you the documents later today. They’ve been ready and waiting for three weeks.” Ronnie could have sworn he heard him laughing contentedly before hanging up the call.

  Chapter 25

  New York, October 23, 2013, 12:30 PM

  The telephone ring startled Ronnie. Brian’s name flickered on the screen.

  “Yes, Brian.”

  “I think you should come to the hospital. I may have finally found a breakthrough that’ll shed some light on everything that’s happened.” He wasn’t able to conceal his pride.

  “It might be easier if you’d just tell me,” Ronnie practically barked at him, then immediately regretted his words and added, “My fiancée is in the hospital, and I was about to go visit her. It would be very helpful if you could update me over the phone.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not an option; it’s important that you come here,” Brian said secretively. “I’ll wait for you in the same place we met last time.”

  “I hope there’s a real good reason. I’ll be with you in half an hour,” Ronnie muttered, slightly put out.

  He remained seated, feeling drained, and stared at the silent telephone. Finally, he pulled himself together, collected his bag, and marched toward the subway station so immersed in his own thoughts, he didn’t notice the man with the Asian features following him and entering the subway car next to his.

  Thirty-five minutes later, he stood, as promised, in front of the reception desk and saw Brian whispering with one of the department doctors. When Brian noticed him, he threw the doctor a remark and she burst out laughing. Then he patted her on the shoulder and approached Ronnie.

  “Let’s go down to the cafeteria,” Brian whispered mysteriously and turned toward the elevators without waiting.

  Something has taken the shyness out of Brian, Ronnie thought and followed him silently.

  When they reached the cafeteria, Brian led Ronnie to a corner table, sat in front of him and sent hi
m an indecipherable gaze.

  “Do me a favor, we’re not actors in a spy movie,” Ronnie said impatiently.

  The sharp words took the wind out of Brian’s sails all at once. He lowered his eyes and a blush spread up his neck.

  “I’m sorry, Brian.” Ronnie placed his hand on Brian’s arm. “I really appreciate what you’re doing, but I’m under a lot of pressure. I’m sorry for erupting like that. It was uncalled for.”

  Brian raised his head and quietly said, “No, you’re right, I got carried away. Sorry.” He looked at Ronnie, and when he saw that he’d calmed down, continued, “As you’ve noticed, I’ve managed to establish a pretty good relationship with the staff, especially the female members.” The blush rose up from his neck to his face. “After you left the hospital yesterday, I continued with my efforts to try to understand what’d happened and mainly to understand what our friend, the Muslim doctor, had meant by talking about our patient’s ‘misfortune.’ I checked with all the nurses and doctors, but no one would talk. I have to admit I was very frustrated —”

  “Brian, let’s get to the point,” Ronnie interrupted as gently as he could.

  “Sorry.” Brian smiled with embarrassment. “A short while after I called you, one of the receptionists came to me, her name’s Gabriela, and asked how much the information I’m trying to get is worth to me. I was very surprised. I’ve never had a special relationship with her. You know, she’s old…”

  Ronnie gave him a hint by raising an eyebrow.

  “Yes…I’ll keep it short. I asked her what she meant, and she told me her son was just accepted to MIT. He wants to study genetics. He received a partial scholarship, but unless he gets a full scholarship he won’t be able to attend. She gave me a questioning look, and I immediately told her our company helps outstanding students, but I’m not in a position to promise her anything. I tried to figure out what information she has, but she was very secretive. Finally, she suggested I bring someone who’s authorized to promise her what she needs and went away. That’s why it was important for you to come personally.” Brian stopped talking and stared at Ronnie.

  “Let’s go talk to her.” Ronnie started to leave his seat.

  “She won’t talk to you in the hospital.” Brian motioned with his eyes for Ronnie to sit back down. “She finishes her shift in about half an hour and will meet you at 97th Street at the Central Park entrance. I suggest that we go back to the department. She’s sitting in the office in the reception area and she’ll be able to see you through the glass. Once she’s seen you, you’ll go wait for her at the scheduled location and let her be the one to initiate contact. Sorry I’m behaving like I’m in a spy movie again, but this is what she requested.” Brian flashed an apologetic smile.

  “Terrific. It looks like I have some time to spare before my cloak and dagger appointment. I think I’ll grab a bite to eat. Want to join me, Casanova?”

  “I…” Brian hesitated but then joined Ronnie as he shuffled through the food line with his tray.

  Ronnie chewed mechanically, his thoughts drifting to Liah and his worries about her health. Brian, on the other hand, wouldn’t stop reciting nostalgic and amusing stories from TDO’s history. It was clear he cared deeply about the company, just like many other people Ronnie knew who were lucky enough to be part of a start-up’s founding team.

  “We need to get a move on,” Brian suddenly turned serious and they walked back toward orthopedics. They stood next to the reception desk and chatted when suddenly, as if he’d received a sign, Brian shook Ronnie’s hand and said, “I’ll see you later, then. Goodbye.” Ronnie glanced at the three women behind the desk. None of them seemed particularly interested in him.

  Even though it was a short walk to the park, Ronnie felt the freezing wind all the way to his bones. When will I finally learn New York is cold in October? He was annoyed with himself. He was standing at the entrance to the park rubbing his hands furiously to try and warm himself, when a woman in a blue skirt and gray coat, wearing a pendant with a large silver cross approached him and asked in a low voice, “Mr. Saar?”

  He nodded and began to walk after her into the park. After five minutes of marching down the park’s pathways, the woman sat on a bench and waited for Ronnie to join her.

  “Brian tells me you have some information that might help my firm understand a little better what went wrong with the operation,” Ronnie began, straight and to the point.

  “I never said I know what happened during the operation. I only said I know about something irregular that has to do with it. But there’s another subject we need to discuss before I’ll be willing to talk.” She stared at Ronnie with a penetrating gaze.

  “OK, let’s take it from the top. My name is Ronnie Saar and I’m the chairman of TDO. And you are?”

  “Gabriela Rodriguez.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Rodriguez. I understand your son was accepted to the MIT graduate biology program, wants to study genetics, but is lacking some funds to pay for school. He received a partial scholarship, so I assume he was an excellent student, right?”

  “My Javier finished college at the top of his class.” Gabriela's chest swelled with pride.

  “Our company has a small scholarship fund that supports exceptional students and also provides them with part-time employment. Regardless of what you tell me, I promise I’ll get him an interview in the company’s offices in the Boston area. If he’s as sharp as you say, I promise you, we’ll offer him a scholarship and open many doors for him. I give you my word,” Ronnie repeated his promise, allowing his words to be digested.

  Gabriela examined him with suspicious eyes, and after some slight hesitation, asked, “Let me understand, are you saying that even if I get up and leave right now, you’ll still give my Javier a chance at a scholarship and see to it that he’s interviewed by your company?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Ronnie looked into her eyes. “But any information you might have will help us solve our current difficulties so we can concentrate on all the good things our company can do for the community. That’s why I’m asking for your help. I promise that everything you tell me will be confidential and that I’ll never expose you as my source.”

  “And how will I know you’ll keep your word?” she asked, and in her voice Ronnie could hear years of disappointment over broken promises.

  “I don’t know what to tell you. Neither of us really wants any written documentation of this conversation. I guess you’ll just need to follow your gut feeling and your heart,” Ronnie explained softly.

  “You’ve got a weird accent.” She changed the subject.

  “Yes, I’m from Israel, the Holy Land.” He decided it wouldn’t hurt to try and play the religious card.

  The woman rose from the bench and began to pace up and down the pathway, deliberating how to proceed. Ronnie remained seated. After a few moments that seemed like an eternity, she sat next to him again, clutching her handbag close to her chest. “Until very recently, a girl named Roselyn D’Angelo worked with me in the department. About a week and a half ago, I noticed she’d been acting really weird, like she was afraid of something. When I asked her what was going on and if I could do something to help, she avoided the subject and said she didn’t know what I was talking about. From that moment on, she did everything she could to avoid me.”

  Gabriela paused for a breath, an expression of relief on her face. “A day before the operation that went wrong, Roselyn told us she’d decided to go on a trip to Guatemala or someplace like that and handed in her resignation. I was really sorry to hear that because Roselyn is a hardworking and honest person, one of the good girls. She dedicated her life to taking care of her elderly grandmother. When I asked her who was going to take care of her abuela while she was away, she told me she’d found a home nurse for her. We all wished her the best of luck and asked her to write us about her trip. She promised to update us with Facebook posts and pictures. After the patient died, I accessed the f
ile with the patient information so I could pass it on to the legal department; that’s our standard procedure. I discovered Roselyn cancelled an operation for another patient, who’d been scheduled two months ago, and gave his appointment to the new patient. Out of curiosity, I gave the original patient a call. Apparently, he’d been told his operation was postponed because of an unexpected emergency surgery. Needless to say, the tragic operation was never classified as ‘urgent.’ Out of curiosity, I kept digging and discovered there was only one emergency operation that day, and it was for a man who was injured in a car accident that very same morning, long after the operations were switched. I didn’t tell the hospital management about it, because I didn’t want to get Roselyn in any trouble…”

  Gabriela's eyes wandered nervously to and fro, and Ronnie gently put his hand on her arm to try and soothe her. “Could you send me a copy of the documents proving what you’ve just told me?”

  “No. I’ve said too much already.” Gabriela stood up, and it was apparent she regretted talking to him.

  “Sit down, please,” Ronnie asked quietly, “and give me your son’s information so we can contact him. I promise you everything you’ve said stays between us. I really appreciate your courage in agreeing to speak with me. You’ve done the right thing.” Ronnie waited until she wrote her son’s telephone number then took the note from her hand and left the park. A short time later, an Asian man left a bench at the other end of the path, turned in the opposite direction, and disappeared among the multitudes walking in the park.

  Chapter 26

  New York, October 23, 2013, 5:15 PM

  The sound of an incoming call found Ronnie two blocks from Presbyterian Hospital, where Liah had been admitted. The number was unlisted.

  “Good afternoon,” he answered, quickening his pace, hurrying to see Liah and also to warm himself a bit.