Read Online Blood Money by K. J. Janssen - Free Book Online

afternoon at two, then.
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    Dr. G. Mason Cartwright was born Gerald Mason Cartwright, but when he was twenty-one he decided to drop the “Gerald” for what he considered a more dignified “G.” He had the dream of being famous someday, and he thought the “G” was more prestigious than “Gerald.” His father and mother were not pleased with this decision. After all, “Gerald” was his grandfather’s name. As if to add justification to the change, he pointed out to his parents that his grandfather’s claim-to-fame was that he retired from a position as a Postmaster at the local Post Office. But he, after all, was going to be a famous doctor. This argument was not well received, and the name change continued to be a bone-of-contention until both parents passed away. His father never missed an opportunity to refer to his son as “Mister Big Shot,” even in front of other people and at family gatherings, mockingly referring to him as “G.” That never bothered the Doctor much. He had every intention of being worthy of the name. Not so much to prove anything to his father, but to satisfy the deep yearning for success that he had from a very early age. The road so far had been successful, though rocky.
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    Dr. G. Mason Cartwright, MD., Ph.D., was the Director of Medical Services, a developmental program at Thurston Electronics. Cartwright earned his degrees at the University of Michigan and Duke University. His major and subsequent clinical interest was in Hematology (the science encompassing the generation, anatomy, physiology, pathology and therapeutics of blood). Five years ago he had been hired by the National Rare Blood Association to set up the protocols for testing and storing the supply of rare blood from the nation’s blood banks. Four years later he became their National Director. Dr. Cartwright had been responsible for a three-fold increase in participating blood banks while National Director. During the time, however, he became aware of unusually large payments sent to certain foreign companies or groups that were handled exclusively by three members of the Board of Governors. His questions about the payments were met with stern rebukes from the Board Chairman, and a campaign of critical in-house memorandums began, aimed at harassing the Doctor. Finally he had his fill. One day, after a very restless night, he penned his resignation, which he left on his desk with his security badge and building keys. It seemed strange to him that he felt such a relief at giving up the very position that he had dreamed of all his life. The next day, he received a carton by express delivery containing the personal objects he had left behind in his haste to exit the building. It was evident that everything had been examined thoroughly. An important period in his life had ended, but an even better one had recently opened up at Thurston Electronics. His hopes were high once again.
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    The NRBA was on the Defense Department’s list of suspected terrorist sympathizers. When they received word about Cartwright’s departure, it was a golden opportunity to get inside information. The FBI invited the Doctor to Cleveland to determine what he knew. He welcomed the chance to discuss the concerns he had about the NRBA’s overseas payments. The visit turned out to be fruitful. The Defense Department encouraged Peter Thurston to hire Dr. Cartwright. While the FBI investigation was in progress, Peter Thurston was asked by Washington to build an organization that would be ready to replace the management of the collection and distribution facilities of the NRBA once they were shut down. President Bush agreed to this arrangement to assure that any action against the Association would not interrupt the vital service it was providing. Dr. Cartwright was not privy to the all of the details of these plans. All he knew was that he had another chance, and he was going to maximize