CHAPTER 4
Only three days after his mysterious meeting with the “Headman in Charge,” Doctor D’Alleva’s private secretary buzzed his intercom in order to inform him that security had allowed three, rather well-dressed men from various government agencies, into the building. They were currently waiting for an audience with him in the downstairs lobby.
“I have one of them on the on the lobby extension right now, and they are requesting a meeting with you, doctor, as soon as possible. The gentleman said he was here on behalf of the FDA and was extremely apologetic for his lack of prior notification.”
The good doctor’s heart climbed up into his throat. Were they here to finally shut his corporation down for good? Or, had the mysterious man in the fedora and purple suit actually followed through with what he said he could do? He wanted to create the illusion that he was extremely busy so he could properly prepare for his guests.
“I need you to stall them, Vivian. For at least an hour.”
Vivian audibly paused but knew better than to question her boss. He had always been good to her and had kept her on the payroll even when the company was in dire financial distress. She was a widowed, single mother of three young children, who really needed the paycheck and the medical insurance that working for Bacro Industries provided. And since Vivian had been with him since the company’s inception, Vincent had promised that he would keep her employed even if that meant she was the only employee on the payroll.
“Umm--O.K. sir, I will have security send them up and provide them with some coffee and pastries. I’ll tell them that you are currently indisposed due to the morning shareholders meeting. That should buy you at least an hour sir. I might add that the man on the phone didn’t seem too anxious or angry, so I think that alone, is a positive thing.”
Vincent considered her last words, nodded to himself and turned in the direction of his private bathroom.
“Make it so Vivian.”
The intercom disconnected and he walked across the office entering the bathroom. After closing and locking the door behind him, he stared at his reflection in the full-length wall mirror. It had been many days, possibly even a week, since the scientist had tended to his personal hygiene. His facial hair was quite overgrown, and he didn’t smell all that fresh. He knew that he couldn’t possibly meet with government officials given his current state. He pulled out some shaving gel and a fresh razor and began to shave his face. His ex-wife had always liked how he looked cleanly shaven, and he almost stopped, as the thoughts of her leaving him once again flooded in.
“No! She will no longer influence me!” He continued passing the razor over his face until it was once again as smooth as a newborn baby’s bottom. After disrobing, he turned on the hot water and entered the shower. It was refreshing and invigorating and he stood there for a few minutes allowing the warm water to wash over him.
He emerged a short time later feeling renewed. After toweling off, he applied his best cologne, some deodorant, then he slipped into one of the last clean and freshly pressed suits in his wardrobe. It had been months since he actually dressed the part of the CEO. He needed to show his visitors that Bacro Industries was still thriving. He opened an electronic safe on the wall and retrieved his old, gold Rolex, some cufflinks, and an emerald ring. These were some of the only items he had left that were not pawned to pay the bills. Securing his best silk tie around his neck, he then donned his suit jacket and finally a pair of shiny, black leather loafers. He stared momentarily at his transformed reflection, then exited the bathroom and made his way back into his private office. The clock on his desk indicated that the whole affair had taken roughly twenty-five minutes. Feeling satisfied and better prepared, he rearranged some of the room furniture to accommodate his guests. He took a deep breath then pressed the intercom on his desk.
“Vivian, would you please escort our guests in?”
There was a slight pause on the other end.
“Right away Doctor D’Alleva.”
The door opened a few moments later as his secretary showed the three men in. Doctor D’Alleva stood up and extended his hand in order to greet each of them. The men graciously shook his hand and he motioned for them to each take a seat in the comfortable, leather, chairs assembled on the opposite side of his desk.
“I am sorry for the wait gentlemen, but I couldn’t forego the monthly shareholders meeting. You know how investors are.”
He chuckled at his proclamation which elicited a knowing nod and smirks from the three men.
“I trust my secretary has been more than accommodating to your needs?” The CEO’s blue eyes easily masked his worry, and his voice indicated only sincerity.
“Of course Doctor D’Alleva. We completely understand and are happy that you could meet with us so soon and on such short notice. I am Mr. Ferguson, the gentleman to my right is Mr. Ruiz and this is Mr. Waller. We are here on behalf of the EPA and the FDA and have some wonderful news!”
Vincent successfully hid his relief at the man’s statement, and simply leaned forward in his comfortable chair to better hear them.
“Is that so? Well, what is it?”
After some careful review and retesting, we have discovered a severe clerical error in our records regarding your previously patented plant food. It appears that someone put the decimal point in the wrong spot and that in fact, your company’s product is well within the acceptable range of the TSCA, or Toxic Substance Control Act. Therefore, we are here to refund your past fines, with interest, of course, lift the sanctions that were imposed on your company, and to inform you that we will be placing your product back on store shelves with a fresh, new name, free of charge. We apologize for any and all problems that this error has caused you, and hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive us without filing for any further legal action.”
The scientist wanted to berate them for the error. He wanted to literally scream at them. Did they know the level of hardship they had caused him? Did they have any clue how close he had been just the other day to ending it all? He refrained from doing so as he recalled the words of his newly found benefactor, and knew that this was his work, not a clerical error on the part of the government, but a newly negotiated trade agreement made possible by the powerful distributor of street narcotics.
He smiled at the man then reached down to unlock the lower left drawer of his desk. From it, he produced four tumblers and a bottle of twelve-year-old scotch.
“Gentlemen please, let’s not dwell on past mistakes. Let bygones be bygones. Please--- join me in a celebratory drink.”
The three men at first started to wave off the offer, but upon seeing the black and gold label of the bottle, decisively reconsidered.
“We would be glad to. Our lawyers will be by later today for a couple signatures on the settlement papers, and also to cut you a check in the amount of your previous fines with 10% interest for your troubles.”
“Oh that will be splendid, but there really is no rush.” He lied of course but wanted to continue presenting an air of confidence. “I will contact my lawyers and then we can schedule a time for them to collectively review the paperwork that is convenient for both of us.”
“Doctor D’Alleva with all due respect, we would like to have this all buttoned up by the close of business today. Our ah... superiors have insisted upon it.” He could now clearly see the urgency in the men’s eyes.
“Very well then, Cheers! Drink up! I will have Vivian deliver the message to my lawyers and have them here no later than 2pm.” With that, the four men clinked their glasses and downed their libations.
Mr. Ferguson was the first to rise from his seat. “Well Vincent, may I call you Vincent?”
“But of course. We’re all friends here.” The aging scientist smiled and once again raised his glass.
“Mr. Waller, Mr. Ruiz and I really must be going in order to get the corporation lawyers back here in time.”
“Not a problem gentleman. I completely understand.”
They shook hands once more and the doctor showed his visitors to the door. Upon wishing them a good day, he looked to Vivian, who was completely unsure of what had just transpired.
“Vivian darling, be a peach and get Marty and Luis on the phone. I will need them here at 1:45pm to go over some rather important documents.”
“I will get right on it sir.” As the door closed behind the government representatives, Vivian once again addressed her boss.
“I’m confused. What just happened?” Vincent smiled.
“Our prayers have been answered. We’re back in business!”
Vivian could hardly believe her ears. She stood up to hug her boss and surprisingly, he accepted her embrace. As she stepped back, she reminded him of one tiny matter.
“Your lawyers will expect immediate payment and back payments, sir. Are we in a position to provide that?” The doctor smiled once more.
“Tell them if they’re prompt, I can provide that, and much more. I believe I owe them a Christmas bonus or two. Now, Vivian, I need to prepare for the lawyer’s arrival. Please make sure I am not disturbed until then.”
He turned and walked confidently back into his private office. As the door closed behind him, he could overhear his trusted secretary placing the call to his previously employed law firm.
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