***
“Wheeee,” screamed Nancy into her cell, “Kelly, I love you. It went awesomely. What a guy! You were right. I can see why you are helping him. He’s so… approachable. He’s going to do a background check today. Assuming that’s OK, I have the job. Girl, I owe you so big I’ll never be able to repay you.”
Kelly couldn’t stop smiling, “You don’t owe me… just don’t embarrass me.”
“Not a chance.”
“When do you start?”
“Now.”
Chapter 4
No sooner had Nancy left, Marty’s cell chirped. “Hello, Derek.”
“Marty. It looks like I am needing your services sooner than expected.”
“Good. What can I do?”
“We have a congressman who is going on an industry Mediterranean cruise in four days and we need some massaging. Are you and your wife able to arrange to be on the cruise for eight days. It’s a cruise full of industry people so you will be able to make a lot of contacts as well as settle the congressman down. It appears he has received some bad research results on Sistophan.”
“Whoo…” Marty grimaced and paused.
“Is there a problem?” asked Derek.
Marty detected some irritation, “No… No… I was just running through the stuff I need to move around. Of course, we will go. I just need to call Myra and alert her.”
“Splendid, Marty,” Derek responded in a much cheerier tone, “when the consulting agreement is completed, we’ll get together and I will fill you in on the details. You’ll be leaving on Sunday the 12th in the morning.”
Marty hit Myra’s speed dial.
“Hey, handsome… What’s up?”
“A lot. Are you sitting down?”
“I can’t stand up in the car, dummy… Wait, is this good or bad?” probed Myra.
“Good, with some problems.”
“Hmmm… Give me the good first and I will figure out the problems.”
“In four days, we are going for an eight-day cruise in the Mediterranean.”
“Stop kidding around. What is the news?” she demanded.
“Seriously. We are.”
There was dead silence.
“Hello.”
“Marty, if this is some kind of joke, I’ll…”
“My! It’s true. All-expenses paid.”
“…but…what about a baby sitter… your office…”
“Don’t worry, we’ll work those things out. I just heard. We leave on the morning of the 12th. I have to run. I’ll give you more details when I get home, but I wanted to give you a heads-up right away.”
***
“Pam,” Tom Chiles bellowed. Pam Styles strode into the office in her usual elegant, yet aloof manner.
“Mr. Chiles?”
“I thought we had reached an understanding that I was not to be bothered with any calls from Norm Arthur.”
“Sir. He insisted that he speak with you and became rather belligerent. That’s why I put the call through.”
“Who do you work for… me, or COSM?” (Council on Safe Medicine) Pam didn’t flinch, didn’t move… just stared at him with her smoldering black eyes. Damn her he thought, if she wasn’t the most sought-after executive assistant in the industry, he’d fire her ass.
She was the perfect gatekeeper. Stunningly beautiful, totally unflappable, highly educated, and dreadfully imposing. She could bring any visitor to their knees in ten seconds flat.
Tom acquiesced, “OK… OK. I do understand, but, Pam, this guy is giving us fits and until Derek can get Marty up to full steam, we need to cool Norm down.”
Pam eyed him warily, “What are you suggesting?”
“I don’t know… I do know that he is quite taken with you. Could you, maybe, offer to have a drink or something with him?”
“Mr. Chiles. We have been through this before. I…”
“Wait… wait. I don’t mean anything untoward. Just a casual conversation to reiterate our stance on Sistophan. It would be extremely helpful.” Again, Pam just stared.
“…Tell you what,” started Tom, “I know that you have been putting in a lot of extra energies these last few weeks. How about we book you on that industry cruise to the Mediterranean in four days. You could use the break.” Pam turned to go. “All-expenses paid,” burst out Tom.
She paused. “Let me see if I can fit it in my schedule,” she said… and closed the door.
Pam had always maintained an aloofness, particularly about her private life. Although she had grown up in a privileged environment, she had been badly damaged psychologically and physically and, therefore, trusted no one. Her beauty, and what appeared as superiority, kept her apart from close personal relationships, when, in fact, she was lonely.
Her one attempt at a relationship ended with his infidelity, which only strengthened her mistrust of men. She withdrew even more. In the process, she learned that her looks and obvious excellent upbringing, together with her quiet demeanor, opened doors much more effectively than conversation.
She had spurned propositions many times in many ways, but this time, perhaps out of fatigue or curiosity, she decided to consider Mr. Chiles’ suggestion.
***
Myra was at the garage door before Marty could get out of the car. “When, where, how, who, and why?” she yelped.
“Can’t I even get in the house?” begged Marty, laughing.
“Well… I guess so, but no more stalling.”
As he walked in the door, a human missile flew into his arms. “Daddy… Daddy… let’s play monster.” Myra grabbed her, “Mommy and Daddy have to talk, Cara. Daddy will play in a minute.” Heading to the bar, Myra said, “Let me get us a drink.”
“Yes… thanks.”
Myra carried their drinks to the sofa, “OK Mr…. Talk!”
Marty laughed, “There really isn’t that much to tell. Derek called and said there was a problem with a congressman and I needed to try and clear it up. He is going to be on an eight-day pharmaceutical cruise in the Mediterranean starting on the 12th and I am supposed to try and sway his thinking. He wants us both there because it is a chance for us to mix with some of the ’who’s who’ of the pharmaceutical industry. It really is an incredible opportunity.”
Myra’s head was bobbing, “Oh, Marty, it really is. I am so excited, but I’ll be a nervous wreck.”
“Why?”
“Well… all these giants of the industry and us.”
“Hey,” snorted Marty, “what are we… ‘chopped liver?’”
“No… you know what I mean. A couple of weeks ago, you were just a paper pusher at a little tiny company.”
“Thanks,” whined Marty.
“You know what I mean,” scolded Myra again.
“I know what you mean,” Marty said as he stroked Myra’s hair, “something we both need to realize is that we are in the ‘big leagues’ now. These guys are going to be using my services.”
“Our services?”
“Of course, …Sorry.”
Myra leaned over and pecked Marty on the cheek. “I love you. Now let’s have dinner. Oh, we will probably have to use my mother to baby sit.”
“Oh, Great,” groaned Marty.
“I’m sorry, Marty, but I can’t get anyone else on such short notice.”
“I understand.”
There was silence, then Marty spoke, “Oh, Derek’s assistant, Kelly, had me meet one of her contacts to be my executive assistant. She came over to the office this afternoon. She’s perfect. Worked for the CEO of Arthur and Associates and just quit yesterday. She has everything I need and more. So, subject to her background check, I have hired her.”
Myra gave him a funny look.
“What?” asked Marty.
“That’s rather impulsive, isn’t it?”
“Perhaps, but I need someone now, being as I am leaving in four days and she has done a ‘start up’ before, so there is no learning period.”
“Well, I hope you’re right. You said she has everyth
ing you need and more. Just don’t let ‘more’ get out of hand.”
“Myra!”
“…just kidding.”
Marty slapped her on the butt, “Well, no more of that!”
“Yes, sir!” she laughed.
***
Nancy ran and caught the call on the second ring. “Hello, …Nancy Stone.”
“Nancy, this is Marty Cooper. I hope I’m not imposing.”
“No… not at all.”
“Well, Nancy, I just wanted to let you know that your background check came out just fine.”
Nancy started jumping around. “Oh, I’m so glad. I was afraid the attempted murder charge would show up,” she chuckled.
Marty started laughing, “Well, actually it did, but because the shot missed, they didn’t think it mattered.” Nancy roared with laughter.
“So… with that out of the way, this is my formal offer to come ‘on board’ as my executive assistant.”
Nancy hoped her voice wouldn’t fail her, “Thank you, Mr. Cooper. I accept with gratitude”
“There in one piece of news that I need to tell you.”
Nancy’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes?”
“I unexpectedly have to go on an eight-day business trip in four days. Need I say that this puts a lot of pressure on us both?”
“No pressure for me, Mr. Cooper. I can hold the fort.”
“Excellent,” responded Marty. “Can you come in tomorrow morning and we’ll clear up the paper work and plot our next moves.”
“What time would you like me there?”
“Let’s get an early start… Say, 8? On the way in I will pick us up some breakfast and we can eat while we start the day.”
“Sounds great,” enthused Nancy.
“Oh… and Nancy… just wear jeans or something casual. We’ll be working in a mess.”
“No problem, Mr. Cooper. See you at 8 and thank you again.”
Nancy punched Kelly’s number.
“Hi, Nancy.”
“I got it!”
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks to you. I start tomorrow morning at 8… guess what? He is going away in four days on an eight-day cruise.”
“Well, nothing like starting with ‘a bang.’”
Kelly set the phone down and smiled. Well, she thought as a famous detective novelist once said, the game is afoot.
***
As arranged, Nancy arrived at 8 and Marty was already at his desk with bags of takeout. The next hour was taken up with eating and planning.
“Nancy, just so you know where we are heading, although in competition, the pharmaceutical companies all face a common enemy: Namely, the entities that are never satisfied with the research results and are always attempting to stop or delay the launch of new products. Our job is to constantly feed the media with data and scientific opinions that not only refute but may, on occasion, malign the natural medicine experts. Are you OK with that?”
“Of course. I am assuming our experts and the FDA are far more accredited than theirs,” speculated Nancy.
“Exactly! Experts, the FDA, and the AMA are the three key points that we will be pounding. In that regard, I will be spending some time on the cruise with Dr. Arthur Kenmore and a congressman from Colorado. The agenda is to strengthen the congressman’s commitment to previous products as well as the Sistophan launch.”
Marty continued, "As you become familiar with our research on the various social media and how it is utilized, I will be looking to you more and more to activate that research. The central issue for us is that we can never be caught ‘flat footed’ by our adversary’s charges. I have an old sales axiom that I was taught: ’Remove the objection before it arises.’"
“Our research and sources need to feed us notice of objections that will appear in the mainstream media and then we can be ‘out in front’. As they say, we only get one opportunity for a first impression. Our first impression is that our research results, together with the FDA approvals, are the protectors, and any negative reference by our adversaries to those approvals, from our perspective, is careless, irresponsible, and just plain propaganda.”
Nancy was nodding her head in agreement, “I understand.”
“Nancy, these adversaries can be very convincing and I need to know that despite what you hear or see, you are committed to staying the course. Always remember that, no matter what, we support an industry whose major motivation is to solve medical problems. As in any honorable venture, there may be tragic setbacks, but we must accept that the end justifies the means in drug research.”
“You can count on me, Mr. Cooper.”
“Great… Now let’s work on what’s going to go where in this mayhem.”
Chapter 5
Dr. Arthur Kenmore was a handsome man. He strode into Tom’s office with the imperious air of academic superiority. His tall, thin physique, topped by his long, speckled grey hair spoke of knowledge that you challenged at your own risk.
Tom Chiles had first met Dr. Kenmore at a cocktail party some years earlier and quickly realized that the Dr.’s ego, combined with Tom’s manipulative proficiency, could breed a strong ambassador for Big Pharma generally and Chiles, Arken, and Associates specifically.
Dr. Kenmore’s alignment with the pharmaceutical industry had been a principled decision predicated on the noble ideal of saving lives.
Whenever possible, Big Pharma publicly extolled Kenmore’s academic achievements while introducing him to the splendor of libertine living. That allure inevitably indoctrinated the Dr. to the pragmatic acceptance of ‘the end justifies the means.’
His learning, refinement, knowledge of the science, accomplishments, and esteem gave heavy corroboration to the FDA approval process, at the same time trumping alternative arguments.
Entering the room, the Doctor was not accorded his accustomed greeting and a perturbed look crossed his face. “Tom,” his deep voice boomed.
Quietly, Tom spoke without looking up, “One moment, please.” …and continued to read some papers. Inwardly, he smiled. It was a cheap gesture, but with an ego of this size, it was effective. The Doctor sniffed the air as if in the presence of human offal, but to no effect.
Tom finally looked up, “How are you, Arthur,” furthering the slight with the first name. The startled look on Dr. Kenmore was proof of the effect. Before the Doctor could rebuff Tom, he rose from his desk.
“Have you confirmed your veranda suite with the cruise line?”
Doctor Kenmore hesitated. Tom jumped in, “No problem. I’ll have Pam handle it.” He waved at the seating area, “Sit down.”
They moved toward the seating area. “Arthur, I just wanted to have a little chat about your upcoming interview with the World-Wide Network (WWN)… and, by the way, congratulations! I understand you have just been appointed as their new medical expert.”
Arthur’s chest puffed up, “Thank you… Thank you. It’s a great honor and…”
“Well earned, I’m sure,” interrupted Derek. Both understood that Tom was a good friend of the chairman of WWN. Dr. Kenmore’s name had been ‘dropped’ at a social event, which precipitated the announcement. “Your credentials are earning you quite the notoriety in medical circles and the appointment to the President’s commission didn’t hurt at all either,” suggested Tom.
This prompting as to where his loyalties should lay was not lost on Dr. Kenmore. In a feeble attempt at salvaging some dignity, he muttered, “Well… If it weren’t for Chiles, Arken, and Associates, who knows where I would be.” The sarcasm was not lost on Tom.
“Exactly,” retorted Tom, “and we are grateful for your views on our products. Now… on to other matters.”
“We have struck a consulting agreement with a new and exciting company… Cooper and Associates. The CEO is a gentleman by the name of Marty Cooper. He will be on the cruise with you, as will Congressman Chet Barnes from Colorado, who heads the committee regulating the FDA. It seems that the congressman has developed som
e difficult views regarding one of our previous creations as well as our new product – Sistophan, and we are hopeful that when he is educated on your views, he will be more positive in his perspective. Marty, with his media expertise, will assist you in developing a wider familiarity with the lab and FDA results. I’m sure, with your knowledge and articulation, Congressman Barnes will see the light.”
The Dr. puffed up, “I am familiar with the congressman’s views and I look forward to clarifying his heretofore resolute stance.”
Oh God, thought Tom, please deliver me from this pompous bloviating ass. Instead, he perfunctorily offered, “Wonderful.”
On cue, the door opened and Pam spoke excitedly “Mr. Chiles, I am so sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Carter from Goldmans needs to speak to you. It’s an emergency.”
“Please, excuse me for a minute,” Tom said as he stepped to his desk and took the call.
“What is it, Arnie,” listening intently, he smiled, “that sounds like very good news. Why don’t we go ahead and make an offer? That should cause some buying. When will you announce? …Tomorrow afternoon just before the bell… sounds excellent. Good work, Arnie.”
Tom set his phone down. “Now, where were we…? Oh, yes. So, can we count on your help with Congressman Barnes?”
“Most assuredly!”
“Arthur…” Tom winked, “I know I can trust your integrity, but I need your assurance that you did not hear that phone conversation just now.”
Arthur shrugged his shoulders, “I know not to what conversation you refer.”
“Good. Are we done here?” asked Tom as he rose. “If I don’t talk to you before, have a great trip”
“Thank you, Tom.”
As the door closed, Tom winked at Pam, “Good timing.”
His psyche badly damaged, Arthur, once again, swore that this was the last time he would subject himself to these boorish barbarians. This debasement had to end.
Acquiescing to the discussion with the congressman was a golden opportunity to score one more major triumph in his quest to be honored with ‘a chair’ at an Ivy League school.
Murder by Prescription Page 5
