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

every opportunity it afforded. He quickly began building the infrastructure required by mirroring the structure he had so successfully built years earlier at the National Rare Blood Association.
    A three-tiered storage facility was purchased and converted into offices and training facilities. No expense was being spared. Equipment they were training on was state-of-the-art, in many respects far more advanced than at the NRBA facilities. Technical and clerical staffs were either on board or scheduled to join the company in the next two weeks. Trial runs were completed and procedures were fine-tuned. Dr. G. Mason Cartwright was determined to make this opportunity the crown jewel of his career. After the debacle at the NRBA, he had a driving passion to make up for lost time.
    * * *
    Denise Barth knocked softly on Thurston’s door and entered the room. “Dr. Cartwright is here for your two o’clock meeting, sir.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Barth. Please show the Doctor in.”
    Cartwright entered the office behind Mrs. Barth. He was six feet one inch tall and in excellent physical condition. He had a full head of jet black hair, slightly peppered with gray strands. He wore a blue custom suit made to fit his trim athletic frame. His powder blue shirt was offset by a bright red Hermes tie with a “boy on a dolphin” design. Cartwright’s trousers were cuff-less and sharply creased down to his Prada, square-toed loafers. In short, the Doctor had flair.
    â€œHave a seat,” Thurston said, as he gestured toward the overstuffed chair in front of his desk. “This won’t take very long. Incidentally, wasn’t your status report due earlier today?”
    â€œYes, sir. I had it ready then, but when your secretary set up this meeting, I decided that it would be okay if I just brought it along.” He reached out and handed it to Thurston.
    Thurston dropped it on the desk. “I don’t have time to read it now. Next time make sure it’s on my desk by ten, whether we’re having a meeting or not. Is that understood? History has often changed in just a few seconds, let alone hours. Timing is essential in business affairs.
    â€œOf course, I’m sorry I misunderstood, sir.” His voice sounded remorseful, but his clenched jaw showed resentment.
    Cartwright’s body language wasn’t lost on Thurston, and he softened his voice slightly. “Doctor, tell you what, why don’t you just give me a recap of what’s in the report?”
    â€œWell to start with, we’re on time with all facets of training. Our blood typing trials got off to a rocky start, but we’ve got a really good crew and they got the bugs out within two days. They’ve been operating at 100% since then. The new Olympus PK 7300 Automated Blood Bank System arrived last week. It’s been set up, and preliminary processing has checked out. As for personnel, I expect the last of our new hires to be here within two weeks. They are currently working for other laboratories, so the break-in time will be minimal. All employees have signed a secrecy pledge promising not to discuss the nature of our work. Not one of them ever worked for the Association or knows anyone who does. We have been very selective in our hiring. These are very dedicated, I would even venture to say idealistic people. I feel most comfortable with the entire staff.”
    â€œNevertheless, make sure you monitor their activities very carefully. It’s possible that the NRBA has gotten wind of what we’re doing here. I wouldn’t put it past them to plant someone in here as a spy. I know they’ll find out somewhere down the line, but I prefer that we be ready to go before they do. And make sure that you have the legal department review every written agreement and contract. Nothing can be allowed to fall through the cracks. I need everything to be absolutely incontestable.”
    â€œYou can count on me, Mister