XC97: The Quest for the Cure

XC97: THE QUEST FOR THE CURE

Mark Dossey

XC 97 is fiction. None of the characters, businesses, organizations, places, or names are true and are solely the product of the author’s imagination. None of the characters are intended to resemble actual people, either alive or dead. The characters' activities are likewise fictional and solely the product of the author’s imagination. All of the circumstances, events, and occurrences mentioned in the book are fiction. Any resemblance between the fictional narrative and reality is purely coincidental.

Copyright ©2014 Mark Dossey

Published by Mark Dossey at Smashwords

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-0-9915124-4-7

"This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

In Memory of

Bruce Layne

Table of Contents

XC97 Cover

Title Page

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Author's Notes

XC 97

Ally Kendall wished she were on a relaxing vacation, but instead she was running for her life. She looked over her shoulder as she crossed to the rental car lots at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). Ally would gaze at passersby, making sure he wasn’t one of them. Despite it being dusk, she had her shades on and long blond hair tucked up into a baseball cap. She had dressed more like a teenager on spring break than the beautiful 29-year old woman she was. Ally scanned the National lot and quickly chose a white Chevy HHR, a car she felt would attract the least attention.

As she exited the airport and merged onto I-95 North, she couldn’t help but look at every car that passed. Ally’s anxiety was palpable, and she began coaching herself to ‘chill and be calm.’ As the exit for Blue Heron Blvd. appeared, she eased the HHR into the far right lane. Approaching the Lake Worth Bridge to Singer Island, she felt calmer as the lights of tall beachfront condos welcomed her to the tiny strip of land on the Atlantic.

With no time to actually plan, Ally had chosen the island as a hideaway because it was familiar to her. Though her grandparents lived there, she wasn’t planning on contacting them, since that could put them in danger. As she descended the bridge, she made a right turn onto Lake St. Six blocks down were small, quaint motels sprinkled within walking distance of the Sailfish Marina.

She chose Andy’s Hideaway, a tiny gray one-story property which backed up to Lake Worth, or the Intracoastal Waterway. Her anxiety returned briefly when she exited the Chevy, and she looked around again to make sure he wasn’t there.

Welcome to the Hideaway, darlin’. What can I do for you? asked Inez, if her name tag could be trusted. She was short with a dark complexion. Ally guessed she was Hispanic, despite the southern drawl. Her smile was inviting, which Ally appreciated.

Hi. I need a room for a week, please. I’d prefer to pay in cash if that’s all right?

Honey, it’s more than all right. My name is Inez, and we love cash.

Great, Inez. Here’s an extra $100 for you. My boyfriend and I just broke up, and I don’t want anyone to drop by to see me, if you know what I mean. Here’s his picture. Ally lied convincingly. He was no boyfriend.

Inez smiled knowingly, saying Not to worry girl, ’cause I’m all over it!

Ally felt her hands dampen as thoughts rolled around in her head. Jesus, I need rest, she said to herself as she looked around the rather barren room. She checked the locks on the front door and the back screened door which led to a lanai facing Lake Worth.

As a precaution, she had asked Inez for the last room near the Intracoastal. She was a very good swimmer, and if she had to dive in to escape, Lake Worth would be an option. She grabbed an apple, an orange, and a small bag of peanuts from her carryon bag. After satisfying her hunger, she sipped on the water bottle she had been nursing since landing. As she lay down, Ally prayed the wacko hadn’t followed her quick exit from New Jersey, and then drifted off to sleep hoping for the best.

When US Air Flight 242 from Newark touched down on runway 2L at PBI, Ally was in a deep sleep.

1

Ally loved the challenge and responsibility of working for Integra. She thrived on coming up with original ideas regarding their presentation in Atlantic City. The conference, Medicine and the Future, would feature startups with new products. Established companies would be looking for their next acquisition, and Integra was hoping to attract one of them to help market and produce XC 97.

Ally saw the planning sessions as a way to prove herself to Victor Allagara, CEO, Jorge Boudin and Alberto Tomas, his right hand men. She went into overdrive. At their last organizational meeting, the trio was so impressed with her ideas and her willingness to do the gopher jobs, that they invited her to join them in Atlantic City.

If we want a strong close to the presentation, nothing is more powerful than seeing cancer-stricken patients recover, Victor said as he previewed the final frames of the PowerPoint presentation. The big WOW factor is to have them at the end, literally proving that XC 97 cures cancer. Investors would leave with that on their minds, don’t you think?

Everyone agreed.

I propose a follow-up at Barraba’s down the street. A drink, or toast of sorts, would be in order, I believe. Fifteen minutes, then? No one dared turn Victor down.

This was Ally’s first drink with the boys from Integra. She was thrilled, as she knew from her previous job there was an unstated acceptance in being invited. The ever-cool Ms. Kendall felt butterflies in her stomach. Her hands were moist. She smiled, thinking she rarely felt nervous about anything.

Barraba’s wasn’t the typical loud, after-work bar. Classic leather was everywhere, and expensive lighting graced what appeared to be antique tables. Several sectional seating areas were available for parties of eight or more. This was by design, as Geno Barraba knew his clientele. They wanted to be together, usually still discussing business, with many deals sealed at his place.

Victor ordered Barrabas’ best bottle of champagne, a Piper-Heidsieck. Victor’s choice of bubbly was roundly approved by the threesome. They were seated on two L shaped leather couches. Anyone prefer something other than champagne? he asked. Then let’s make it two. He was ready to celebrate. After their glasses were poured slowly and the bubbles had subsided, Victor raised his glass. To the most loyal coworkers anyone in any business could have! Salud!!

Salud! they all replied, and the sipping began.

Ally loved the serious drive behind the men who had discovered a cure for cancer. Victor Allagara, Integra’s CEO, had gone to Haifa Bay, Israel to learn more about Efudex, the cream that kills pre-cancerous skin cells. While there, he recruited Jorge and Alberto to come work for him at Integra. The two had experienced great success in helping develop Efudex.

Integra had one hour to present XC 97 in Atlantic City. Victor would utilize PowerPoint to show the benefits of their wonder drug. Alberto was excellent with the med-tech questions. He had credibility from his work with Efudex and loved the limelight. Victor gladly shared the stage as they prepped for the presentation. Jorge, with Ally assisting, made all the support PowerPoint visuals flow smoothly for Victor. Team Integra was ready.

The first bottle of champagne went down quickly as the group verbally patted themselves on the back for being ready for Atlantic City. After handshakes, Alberto left for home. Jorge, although single with no family mandates to leave early, departed after his second glass.

Those lightweights! Ally said to Victor. We still have more than half a bottle left! Will you make sure I’m in a cab headed for my apartment if I stay longer?

Trust me, Ally, you will be very safe tonight.

What the hell does that mean, she thought? His comment gave her a warm feeling of titillation. Victor picked up his glass and moved closer to Ally. She felt another flutter inside her. Small talk between the two was easy as they laughed at Alberto and Jorge for departing early. Pantywaists, Victor sneered. Another toast and soon the bottle was empty.

Victor offered to take Ally down the street to Cunningham’s, the newest popular steakhouse. Damn, she thought. Bad Ally said, I want this, but Good Ally said, No, you don’t. Damn it. Champagne and reasonable thought don’t mix well.

Is this proper protocol, Mr. Allagara? I believe you are my boss, and I don’t think I’m supposed to be having dinner with the boss, alone?

You’re correct, I’m your boss, but we have something very much business-related to talk about. When we hired you and John Carter, we did so with the expectation of making one of you our marketing director. You have impressed all of us, and we would like to promote you to that position.

Really? Is John likely to stay?

In a word, no.

Oh, I see...

He knows he’s out of his league when working next to you.

She leaned back in her chair, soaking in the compliment.

2

With a slight mental haze from the exquisite champagne, Ally agreed to join Victor for dinner. She was still edgy about doing so as Victor slipped her into her coat. Off they went for the two-block walk to Cunninghams. Her thoughts were spinning, and she didn’t like this feeling. No more drinking so much during a business dinner, she thought.

Victor switched back to business when they sat down. He ordered a glass of champagne, but Ally got water with a lemon slice. Victor didn’t even tease her. He seemed to be focused on something else.

Ally, you’re a beautiful and intelligent woman. Our firm is about to embark on something that will make history. There will be much money to be made, but I’m talking about the impact XC 97 will have on the world! I think you would be a valuable asset to our company. Victor was excited, and his voice became a little too loud. Realizing it himself, he looked around briefly, then moved in closer to Ally. What do you think?

I’m honored that you think of me in that way. Of course, I want to hear more!

Hear more you will, then. However, all salary and benefit details will have to wait. Let’s enjoy our meal. Realizing the waiter had moved near the table, Victor switched gears quickly.

What do you recommend? asked Ally. Let the boss take the lead, she thought—Business 101.

Their ribeye, medium-rare, is exquisite!

"OK.

Two then.

Indeed, said the waiter, who quickly took the rest of their order. He understood he was to move on.

Do you realize the impact XC will have? Cancer kills over 500,000 people in the US each year. That’s almost 1,500 per day! XC 97 will potentially save that many lives. Throughout the world, cancer’s annual death toll exceeds more than 7.5 million people. And this country, with all the great minds in medicine and research, has not been able to produce a cure? Our initial goal was simple, to make an impact on at least one kind of cancer. Since my father died of prostate cancer, it became my first target.

I didn’t realize that. I’m sorry. When did he pass away? Ally asked, genuinely concerned.

Five years ago. After I met Alberto and Jorge in Israel, our wheels started turning. Ally, XC is the wonder drug that we dreamed about. Our formula causes all cancer cells to break apart and be defenseless. The right amount of chemo, at lower dosages than now used, kills them. We have succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Now we have some issues to deal with!

What kind of issues?

The good is obvious, as many lives will be saved. However, XC will eliminate many jobs. Those who now make a living off current cancer treatments will lose out. Doctors, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies will all be impacted. Many of them make a good living because of cancer. Think about it. If you are 40 to 50 years old and you’ve been getting paid handsomely to treat this awful disease, what do you do? It’s the one thing you are trained in, the one subject you are confident in, and suddenly you aren’t needed!

Ouch, said Ally, almost not realizing she had uttered the word.

It’ll be way more than, ‘ouch.’ Victor said. Elaborate oncology centers were built across the country to treat this disease, and big money was donated for research. He shifted gears. Alberto, Jorge, and I don’t really talk much about these issues; it’s a distraction, and there’s too much at stake in the here and now. But I need a sounding board, especially one with a fresh perspective. You’re a bright young lady, and that’s why I want you to be a long-term employee at Integra.

She knew she was on the verge of being an insider, of learning things she might never have experienced at her previous company. And the reason she wanted to work at a small firm like Integra was just this—to make a difference.

What’s going through that mind of yours? Victor asked.

Sorry. You must understand the last thing I expected tonight was an offer to become marketing director. She knew she was stumbling and a bit out of her league.

We are excited about the impact XC will have in saving lives. Now it’s time to deal with any downside reaction to XC when we announce it. I want you to help us focus on the presentation in Atlantic City first, then prepare the team for any negative reaction to XC.

Sounds like I’ve got my work cut out for me.

That you do. We must make intelligent decisions. So, today is Wednesday? I’ll meet with the rest of the team by Friday, and since we have to eat, would Saturday night dinner work for you?

I suppose so, she tried to be casual, though her heart beat so fast she was sure its pumping could be seen through her blouse. Will we have a discussion about salary and benefits at that time?

I don’t see why not, Ally. If that package looks good to you, are you ready to take on your new role?

If it’s good, I’m on board, Victor! They clicked champagne and water glasses.

It’s getting late, Victor said. He texted Carlo Ruiz, his personal driver. When he arrived, Victor introduced him to Ally, and they drove to her apartment. Victor walked her up the steps to the front door.

Good night, Ally. We’ll talk more at the office.

Until tomorrow, Victor. Thanks for the evening! She was both exhilarated from the job offer and exhausted by the extended day.

3

Thursday was an important one for Ally. She double-checked the logistics of getting presentation materials to Atlantic City and wrote down the names of key people involved with their room set-up. On Friday the team had another presentation dress rehearsal. It went smoothly. Victor congratulated everyone for their attention to detail, then wished them all a good weekend as he left the office.

She slept in on Saturday, then spent most of the day cleaning her apartment. As evening approached, Ally focused on what to wear to dinner. She chose a little black dress, her go-to when she wanted a combination of business and style.

Much was at stake; XC 97 was about to become international breaking news. She forced herself to think like Victor wanted her to, attempting to identify all the negative reactions XC would cause worldwide.

One nagging wild card was government. Ally’s confident smile quickly disappeared. With the pols constantly battling each other over entitlements and the budget, what would XC do to affect them? She grim-aced and began running hot water for her bath. Ally allowed herself to relax and tried to forget all the negatives for now. There would be plenty of time for that later. A hot bath and Mindi Abair’s Stars CD was the perfect solution.

Victor’s car pulled in front of Ally’s apartment promptly at 7 o’clock. Victor emerged from the back seat of the 700 series BMW, as Carlo opened the door. Victor had no car. He chose Carlo and his service to avoid the hassle of maintaining a vehicle of any sort. He simply wanted trustworthy transportation and Carlo never failed him.

He rang the doorbell and she hesitated only slightly before opening it.

Good evening, Ms. Kendall, your carriage has arrived! Victor smiled, with a slight bow of his head.

Ally curtsied and with a mock Southern accent responded, My, my, aren’t we chivalrous this evening, Mr. Allagara?

Carlo held the door open with a smile as Ally entered the backseat.

What establishment are we blessing with our presence tonight? inquired Ally, with a teasing look.

Maybe I should have run this by you, but we have reservations at the Ke’e Grille, one of my favorites.

The steak was wonderful Wednesday night, Ally said. What are you choosing for us tonight?

Ms. Kendall, you may have anything on their expansive menu, but I prefer their Chilean sea bass with a wonderful piccata topping.

Settled. Well, what else will we have to talk about, now that the menu discussion is out of the way?

Surely, Ms. Kendall, you’ve come to some decision about your career. I mean, that’s a topic for discussion, I hope. We’ll talk about some preliminary numbers regarding your salary and benefits if you would like. And we can talk more about your role on our team.

I’m all for hearing as much as you want to tell me. Obviously, you three have a great thing going with XC soon to be announced. But, you are right, I need to know a little bit about how I fit in.

For starters, help us make the greatest impact possible in Atlantic City. And, you can begin thinking about our reaction to the inevitable negatives that will surface with the population of the entire world living longer. Jorge, Alberto and I have to stay positive about XC 97, but you can be our conscience in preparing us for any backlash after we announce it next week!

I’ll do my best! she said.

4

As they arrived at the Ke’e Grille, Carlo came around to get the door and wished them a good evening. Victor told Carlo he’d be about two hours.

Ally scanned the restaurant. Large umbrellas shaded some of the tables, with sconces and candles providing warm light. The bar opened out into a light-filled atrium accented with native plants and spring flowers, evoking a Hawaiian style. Wow, Ally thought, what a place!

The hostess smiled and hugged Victor. Obviously this wasn’t his first meal there. Mr. Allagara! Welcome back, my friend, said Michael, the owner and maitre d’. After introducing Ally to Michael, Victor and his marketing director were escorted to a lovely table in a corner of the room.

This is good? inquired Michael with an eager-to-please look. Crown on the rocks, my friend? Victor nodded.

Michael turned to Ally, And madame?

Just a glass of champagne, whatever Mr. Allagara would like to order for me, please.

I know just the one, said Michael. Victor dismissed him and turned to Ally.

We have much to talk about. Let’s enjoy our cocktails before we talk any business.

Cheers, again, Ally replied, as she admired Victor’s dark eyes. They seemed to dance when he smiled.

Barbara, a stunning, tall, and buxom redhead approached the table. Mr. Allagara, I will be taking care of you tonight, and I see Michael has already served your drinks. May I explain the specials?

After the explanations, Victor suggested she return when the drinks were finished.

Absolutely, my pleasure, she replied.

Victor, could we talk more about this marketing position?

Of course, if you’d like. Since we have had no marketing director, the three of us would work with you to develop our plan. You would have as much input as you desire, but for the first year, we would more or less create our game plan together. How does all that sound to you?

It sounds good. I like the plan for the first year. After that, I’ll be ready to be more independent. Thanks, Victor. Will I be getting a raise with my new title?

Of course. How about we start with a salary of $80,000?

Great as a start, but where would we end? she responded, with a smile.

That comment doesn’t surprise me, Ally. OK, would $85,000 get you to say yes tonight?

Not just ‘yes’ but ‘hell, yes!’

Welcome aboard, Ally. You’ve made a great decision.

Thanks Victor. I’m excited.

Well, there’s more to it, of course. You’ll need to meet with Ralph in HR to sign a few papers and become official. But that will wait until Monday. Cheers!

After their toast, Ally wanted to share her ideas about XC 97. She sipped a bit of champagne, gathering her thoughts again before she spoke. After all, he had said he wanted a fresh perspective.

I’ve been thinking about the impact of XC 97 politically, and my concern is with those politicians who spend their lives focused on getting re-elected.

So, you mean all politicians then. Victor laughed. They toasted again.

Yes, and with the budget deficit being the great concern, tied to Social Security and Medicare recipients, my thoughts were not good. Social Security payouts will explode! The growing elderly population will receive much more money than they would have prior to XC 97. I’m not an actuary, but it seems to me the numbers could be astronomical!

Point made, Ally. Frankly, the three of us had thought about Medicare expenses being cut, but partially offset by other illnesses. All this requires additional healthcare, which, in turn burdens any government program, regardless of what it’s called. So, any savings from cancer care may be eventually devoured by other types of care. Then Social Security payments... Yes, this is why we needed more objective thinking about 97’s ramifications. However, it is a complicated issue and why I wanted to wait until after dinner to discuss it.

You should have stopped me. Sorry.

No reason to be Ally. We are simply predicting the many reactions that will undoubtedly come with the release of XC 97. Knowing them in advance helps us build our responses. We don’t want to be caught off guard with any of this.

Barbara approached. They were surprised that their drinks were gone. Guess the conversation stirred up a thirst! Ally said. Victor ordered another round.

They had almost finished their second drinks when Barbara showed up to take their orders. Both chose Chilean sea bass piccata