Run

Run

MDSK

Copyright © 2013 by MDSK

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage the piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

This novel is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel, are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

To Lois Boyes,

You inspire those around you to be better and remind us to think the best of people

To Ward Boyes,

For the call you placed to me one summer day that changed my life’s course

In memory of Richard (Rick) Allan Young

He knew how to live, until the day he died

Table of Contents

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Day 25

Day 26

Day 27

Day 28

Day 29

Day 30

Day 1

New Jersey

Grace, Riley’s executive assistant, knocked on her door and poked her head in. Grace was wearing a black and purple BCBG dress, 3 inch dark purple high heels which made her 5’9 frame seem even taller, and dangling silver earrings. Whenever Grace and Riley stood near each other, Grace’s lean long frame dwarfed Riley’s and Riley appeared tiny and younger in comparison, though Grace was twenty-six and Riley in her early-thirties.

Riley, there’s someone on the phone for you. He won’t tell me who he is, but he says it’s urgent he speaks with you, Grace said.

Riley looked up from her laptop, Ok, no problem; you can close my door. Thanks Grace.

Hello, Riley speaking, Riley answered the phone, not knowing many people who would contact her on a personal matter, and it was odd that her executive assistant didn't recognize the voice.

Ms. McAllister, you probably don’t remember me, but I work at Pharmaco. You and I were on the same team in a class a few weeks ago. My name is Phillip Young.

Riley racked her brain trying to recall why that name seemed familiar. Suddenly, Riley remembered the quiet man who had been in her group for an internal training communications class she had taken through her company a few weeks ago. Around mid-fifties, quiet, introverted type who spoke only once. When a strong-willed person had disagreed with Riley, Philip backed Riley’s perspective. The communications class was for anyone in the company who wanted or was told they needed to work on communicating, and so it threw together people from all different parts of the organization at all different levels. Riley would take these classes once in awhile for a time out from her regular work environment. There had been a team project in which the class facilitator paired up five people from the same table. They were told they were stranded in a plane crash in the mountains and had to determine how to survive. People on the team were injured, and they had to decide together if they should stay and wait for help, or if they should hike out. They would only be able to carry out three items so all five people on the team had to also agree on three specific survival options out of a list of twenty-five. It was an exercise in team work, communication, and leadership, and their team had ended up with the highest score and won.

Yes. Phillip, I remember you. How are you? Riley responded, wondering why he was calling her, and why he hadn’t called on the internal Pharmaco line from his desk extension.

Ms. McAllister, I am in trouble, and I need your help, Phillip replied.

What’s wrong? Riley asked, starting to worry why a scientist would call her for help. Riley was the Global Director of New Product Launches and wasn’t seeing a connection. If there was a problem with a drug that Riley was bringing to market, a scientist wouldn’t be contacting her; he would be working with someone in research and development.

Phillip responded, I need to meet with you in person. I can’t tell you over the phone. I am calling from a disposable cell phone but since I am talking to you on your land line someone may find out. I know you are high up in Pharmaco and probably have a full schedule. I need to tell you something and no one can know that I told you and that we are meeting. Can you meet me tonight at Building 23 at 10 p.m.? If you park in the south facing lot near the running trails I will meet you there. Do not use your badge. I will let you into the building at the door closest to the south lot. No one must know that we have talked just now and that we will be meeting. If anyone finds out, you will be in danger. Can you meet me?

A thousand thoughts were running through Riley’s head and she had many questions for Phillip but he clearly didn’t want to say more on the phone.

Phillip, I will be there and I won’t tell anyone. Just answer one question please. Why me? she asked.

Our team of strangers in class won a game of survival because you lead us in the direction that would win the game. You made up your mind in the first four minutes what our course of action would be, and what it would take for us all to survive and win the game. You spent the rest of time successfully convincing four strangers to align with you. I am in real trouble. I need your help because I need someone who will know what to do and will execute quickly. I'm afraid you’re the only one who can do this, Phillip answered and then hung up.

Riley sat there listening to the dial tone telling her Phillip had hung up and wondering what she had just agreed to.

After work Riley drove home to her townhouse in Jersey City in her 8-year-old silver Jeep Cherokee and took her five-year-old German Shepherd Charger to the dog park to run around. She ate a turkey sandwich for dinner, sitting at her kitchen counter while reading Fitness Magazine. At 7:00 p.m., she called her boyfriend Jake.

Jake answered Riley’s call on the second ring, Hey Baby.

Riley smiled just hearing Jake’s confident, self-assured, sexy voice. Hi Jake, what’re you up to? Riley asked.

Drinking a beer, watching ESPN, and now that you have called, I am thinking about what I would like to do to you after this game, he teased.

Riley could picture Jake’s six foot frame stretched out on his black leather couch, his black hair worn a little longer on top than most men in the business world. She was hot for his handsome face, composed of emerald green eyes and a mischievous grin. When Jake looks at Riley, she always blushes like a school girl, thinking his looks are sending the message, ‘I’d rather we were naked right now’.

Riley let out a sigh, Yeah, well don’t get too excited there, Fella. I actually have to go into work.

Jake was surprised, You actually have to go into the office? Why? Can’t you just work from home like you normally do?

Riley didn’t want to lie to Jake but she didn’t know why Philip wanted to see her and until she understood more, she thought it best to not tell anyone.

Yeah well, Ed wants an updated presentation on how to speed up launches in Latin America. The presentation I need to finalize is on a memory stick in the office. It was a lame excuse, but Jake didn’t have interaction with her boss Ed Avery, so he wouldn’t by chance learn that the presentation to Ed on that issue wasn’t due for another 10 business days.

Well, I was looking forward to seeing you, but I know work comes first. Don’t worry about it, Jake replied. What about tomorrow night? he inquired.

I am leaving Wednesday for Europe, but I will try to get everything done so we can get together tomorrow night, for a little while anyway, Riley replied.

Sounds good. I was asked to fill in as a backup for a basketball league for a 9:30 p.m. game tonight, so I’ll go do that now that you’re busy. Don’t work too hard, and I hope you have inappropriate dreams about me tonight, Jake taunted.

Riley laughed, That’s a guarantee. Thanks for understanding. I’ll call you tomorrow evening and let you know if there’s time to get together. Everything was easy with Jake. He didn’t give her guilt trips when she needed to cancel plans to work. He was happy when they saw each other, and when they didn’t, his life was filled with friends and staying busy.

It was 9:58 p.m. when Riley pulled into the South Parking lot of Building 23. Riley walked to the closest door to the parking lot near the running trial that ran behind the building and around Pharmaco’s entire complex. She realized she had never been to this building before. As she got near the outside door, she saw the shadow of a man standing there waiting for her.

Phillip? she asked, nervous that she was walking up to a strange man in the dark at 10 p.m.

Ms. McAllister. Thanks for coming, Phillip softly replied in barely more than a whisper. Please come this way.

Phillip opened the door which was propped with a triangular shaped piece of wood so that they didn’t need to swipe their badges to enter. Riley followed him down a series of hallways, and as she walked, she noticed a Board of Science Excellence on the wall with names, pictures, and a date next to mostly men and a few women, who had been recognized for their great innovations for Pharmaco. This building definitely appeared to be a research and development building, which would explain why Riley had never had a meeting in her career here. Riley reported to the Vice President of the Global Commercial Organization, on the new product readiness launch side of the business. By the time the drug was ready to launch, it was, on average, eight years after the original scientist discovered it, and so Riley had no interaction with scientists. Riley was wearing black tennis shoes that occasionally squeaked as she tried to keep pace with Phillip who was taking her through a maze of hallways.

Phillip finally stopped and turned to face a secured door required badge and finger print scan, but again the door had been propped open in advance, no doubt by Phillip. The room was dark, except a dim light resonating from one of the work stations.

Riley tried to sound in control and not nervous, Phillip, I would really feel better if you could tell me what is going on, she said.

Phillip handed Riley a file. Even with little light in the room Riley could see that Phillip looked terrible with dark shadows under his eyes. It was Fall and the building was cold, and yet Phillip was sweating. On a counter behind Phillip she noticed a handgun.

It’s all in here. You know, the new drug we’re launching 2nd Chance? Phillip asked.

Riley nodded. Her team was launching 2nd Chance into the global market, and it had been hyped by Wall Street as the largest block buster drug that would hit the market since Viagra. Pharmaco was spending $1 billion in advertising. Instead of giving people the chance to have sex, this drug saved lives of people who had inoperable brain cancer. According to the trials, people who had been told they had maybe months to live and had agreed to trial the drug, were now living years later. The company just announced days ago that there are studies showing that the drug is curing or delaying death in other kinds of deadly cancer such as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers.

Yes, of course. We are launching it globally in 12 markets at once and as quickly as possible. My team is leading the global new product launch marketing campaign, Riley replied.

Phillip nodded biting his lip, I helped design 2nd Chance nine years ago. We tested it on animals, and then on people, and it does cure inoperable brain cancer, Phillip said.

Riley was clearly not seeing the issue, That’s awesome; you’re going to save lots of lives with this drug. Riley was feeling impatient about what Phillip's concern was. She was excited about this drug because she liked working for a company that made products that saved and improved people’s lives. As a perk, this drug was going to make many people at the company rich and the stock was predicted to split, something Riley hadn’t seen in the twelve years she had been with Pharmaco.

Phillip sighed, If only it was that easy. It’s all in the file I just gave you. This drug is going to kill more people then it will save. We are all going to get rich fast, and then over time people that aren't still taking the drug will start dying. The connection isn’t that obvious, so many will die before people understand why.

Riley looked down at the thick file in her hand and then back up at Phillip.

What can I do to help? It seems like you need to talk to senior management and stop it from launching. If they don’t listen, you need to call our adverse reactions group and report it, before it launches around the world and causes problems, Riley says while keeping her eyes on him and the gun on the counter behind him, in her peripheral vision.

There isn’t time to explain. You need to read the file and investigate for yourself so you believe me. I have listed the people that did the trials and detailed studies. Don’t tell anyone what you are trying to learn, and don’t get caught until you are ready to blow the whistle on this. I tried to elevate this and now they will kill me. I wasn’t signed up for that communications class. I picked you to help me and I have been following you, trying to find a way to get your help. I sat at your table in class that day on purpose so we would be on the same team. I wasn’t even registered for the class.

Of all the people in this company to reach out to, why me? Riley asked confused.

You are well connected and high up enough in this organization that you can influence people and stop this. As of today, you only have thirty days before this product starts to be prescribed around the world. Also, you have personal incentive to do so. If what I’ve heard is true, this is about preventing what happened to you as a child from happening to others. Will you help? Phillip pleaded.

Riley’s mind raced wanting to ask questions she realized Phillip wasn’t going to answer. The entire time they had been in the room he continued to glance frantically at a clock on the wall to the right of her, his eyes bouncing back and forth like he was watching a ping pong match.

I promise to look into it, Riley replied and watched Phillip’s body flood with relief.

Thank you, Phillip nodded and almost smiled.

Should I call you in a few days after reviewing the file and looking into this? Riley asked Philip.

Phillip gave a small shake of his head, I will be dead within 24 hours. A few days from now my family will be burying me. There are people in Pharmaco who will do whatever's necessary to keep this buried. When you have the evidence you need, reach out to the FDA’s investigative organization, OCI.

He grabbed the gun from the counter behind him and handed it to Riley. Riley took the gun confused staring at the 22 in her hands.

You don’t have much time, please go now quickly. If you want to survive and change the course please go and start now, Phillip’s eyes continuing to scan between Riley and the clock on the wall.

What if I don’t succeed? This drug already has FDA approval. What if I don’t get enough evidence in thirty days? Or I can’t get the drug stopped from being prescribed in time? Riley asked.

You will. You have to. Be careful. Go, Riley, now! Run! Phillip yelled. Riley gave Philip one last look before fleeing the room with the gun and the file. She raced through the hallways, retracing the way they came in. Riley’s sneakers squeaked on the floor, and she noticed a few cameras in the ceiling probably recording that she had been here. She raced outside and quickly climbed into her SUV. She turned on the ignition, locked the doors, and laid her head on the steering wheel trying to catch her breath.

Riley heard a thunderous boom, and then loud popping sounds as she witnessed Building 23 explode. Bright orange yellow fireballs of debris shot up and out from the building like a horrific fireworks show. A large piece of metal flew onto the hood of Riley’s silver Jeep Cherokee making her jump from the surprise. Riley looked up in horror and could feel the heat from the blast. She could have been killed had she stayed in there talking to Phillip any longer. Phillip had told Riley he would be dead in 24 hours, and now he was dead minutes later. Riley looked at the car’s clock. 10:28 p.m. She had 1.5 hours remaining of Day 1. Riley quickly peeled out of the parking lot before the authorities showed up. The race against the clock had begun.

Riley arrived home, let her dog Charger outside, and then poured herself a glass of wine. The wine didn’t take the edge off of the enormity of watching a building explode with Philipp in it, or the responsibility he had passed on to her. She sat at the kitchen counter with the file Phillip had given her spread out before her. Riley read the contents of the file, taking notes on a notepad and making a list of actions that she would need to take. Riley needed proof and witnesses to validate what Philip claimed. Finally, rubbing her eyes and glancing at the clock Riley realized it was after 1 a.m. and she needed to wash her face and go to sleep.

Day 2

New Jersey

Riley’s alarm phone blasted her latest favorite artist letting her know it was 5 a.m. and time to get up. She moved her arm to grab her phone and touched the metal of the gun, reminding her about how much had changed since she had woken up yesterday morning. Riley got up and went into her spare bedroom which also served as her workout room. She started lifting weights, doing abdominal exercises, punching the bag she had hanging from the ceiling, and doing squats while holding a weight above her head. Drenched in sweat, she stretched, and then headed for the shower in her master bedroom. Working out gave her mind time to come up with a game plan. She dressed in a suit and then inhaled some cereal, before heading out the door, anxious about where she was headed during lunchtime.

Evan, Riley’s here to see you, his assistant Emily announced in her sweet sing song voice into his speaker phone Tuesday afternoon around lunchtime.

Evan wondered why the hell Riley was at his office. She hadn’t been to his office since he opened his own law firm a few years ago back when they were still married. At the end of his first official day of having his own practice, Riley had brought a bottle of champagne by. They had taken turns drinking straight from the bottle celebrating, and then Evan had sex with Riley right on his brand new desk.

Ok, send her in, Evan replied trying to shake the good memories away.

Evan, hi, Riley stood in his doorway wearing a light grey business suit with a red shirt underneath that showed no cleavage, but was tight enough to show her amazing curves. The muscles in her legs were amplified by the two inch black high heels she was wearing. Evan inhaled taking in her perfume and overall presence. She always smelled like vanilla and baby powder. Seeing her conjured up so many memories and emotions.

Alert the local news station. There is a cougar on the loose in New Jersey, Evan smiled sarcastically at Riley.

Riley rolled her eyes, Good one, how long have you waited to use that joke?

Riley, what are you doing here?" Evan made sure his tone showed Riley he was annoyed that she was on his turf unexpectedly. He was mad at himself that seeing her made his heart race. After all that had happened between them, he didn’t want to think about her sexually, but couldn’t resist.

I know you’re busy, and I am sorry to stop by unannounced. I have something important to discuss with you and I was hoping I could buy you lunch, or a cup of coffee? Riley tried to