“First, will the police and the security service be aware of our investigation? I don't think we want to step on any toes. Also, are the officials in Venezuela looking into this as well?” begins Kristen.
Dr. Martin shakes his head. “No. As far as the police, we’ve been told by officials here in Seattle, in California, and in Venezuela that at this point there doesn’t seem to be a crime committed. Rich booked the flight and there’s nothing to indicate than any coercion took place.” He sips his water before continuing, “As far as Strelitzer’s security, frankly I’m not impressed with the work they’ve done. They’re efficient but them seem to have drawn a conclusion already, and my gut tells me that it’s not as cut-and-dried as they’re making it out to be.”
“Second, I want access to Gold's files. All of them. I know they have been looked through, but I want to put my own eye on them,” Kristen continues. Dr. Martin nods. “You can access Rich’s files from here. I’ll set you up with my administrator’s password.”
“Third, were there any skeletons in Gold's closet that we should know about that would not be in his file?” she asks.
Dr. Martin again shakes his head. “Nothing that we’ve uncovered. There were no irregularities in the bank records – no unusual debts or income, anything like that. Aside from a trip to Vegas once in awhile and the office football pool he doesn’t gamble. No drugs that I know of. He bought his house a couple of years ago.” Dr. Martin thinks for a moment. “Rich has been divorced for about ten years now. His ex-wife Jeanne lives in Fort Worth – she remarried, around 1998, I think. Rich has had a few relationships over the years, no one special. He was dating a woman in Seattle but they broke it off about six months ago, amicably. He has a daughter, Annalee – she’s a film student at the University of Miami.” Dr. Martin leans back with a sigh. “Annalee.” He looks at the attorney. “I hate to say it but I’m glad Jeanne made that call and not me.” Martin’s face is pained at the thought. “He’s a good scientist, respected by his colleagues, making a competitive salary, doing work that he enjoys at the top of his game. That’s why this is all so hard to fathom.”
Kristen asks one more question. “Fourth, why us? Surely there must be a professional investigative service you could use. While I'm sure that everyone you have assembled here is an expert in thier field, I'm certain that the corporate security team, the police, or even an independent investigation company would serve well.”
Slocum answers this one. “The news of Dr. Gold’s disappearance could affect the worth of Martin Pharmacology and so far every effort has been made to keep this quiet,” replies the attorney. “Dr. Martin asked for a private inquiry into the matter as the police have not expressed undue concern and the security agency for the company is at a standstill. It was my recommendation that we assemble a small group, quietly, to pursue any leads that may have been missed.”
“What sort of work or projects was Dr. Gold working on before he left for the conference?” Hawk asks. “Anything that would be particularly valuable to another corporation or state? Follow the money, that's what I always say when looking for a motive.”
Dr. Martin nods. “Rich is a leader in the field of the treatment of schizophrenia – his work is valuable from both a business and a medical standpoint. Rich has been working on atypical antipsychotics, drugs that combat the illness without some of the debilitating side effects that come with more conventional medications, such as withdrawal, loss of energy, the inability to concentrate.” Again he looks pensive. “His lab work has been quite promising, really revolutionary – we received FDA approval to begin clinical trials next month. Now...” His voice trails off.
“You mentioned your parent company's security firm? Who are they, what sort of aid can we expect from them. I don't want to find my own head on the proverbial chopping block for corporate espionage just because you've decided to sideline yourself some Scoobies to satisfy your curiosity,” Brandon says. “Are we going to be employees on the books, with badges and all that and clearances to do the job, or are we going to find ourselves stranded in Mexico City one day and the checks stop rolling in because Strelitzer Biomedizinisch has decided to tug the leash?”
“Strelitzer’s security firm is based in London – Snowden Group LLC. They handle corporate clients around the world. As we mentioned, Dr. Martin is funding this investigation privately,” replies the attorney. “The other document in your folder is a personal services contract. Travel expenses are included in the terms – if you like, we can add a codicil that guarantees a return to Seattle upon the completion of either the investigation or the contract.”
“The well is not bottomless in terms of funds,” Dr. Martin adds, “but I will do my best to provide you with the means to do a thorough job.”
“Next, say we find Dr. Gold and it happens that he doesn't care to be found? You're not expecting, of course, that we somehow compel him against his will, right?” Brandon looks Slocum directly in the eye, knowing that the suggestion of illegal activities on the contract would invalidate the whole deal. “If we find Gold and he's just made some sort of effort to make a new life with a pretty girl down there, then I'm not going to allow for tossing him in a sack and returning to the States. Agreed?”
Slocum nods. “Under no condition are we asking your or expecting you to do anything illegal in the course of this investigation,” he states firmly. “We expect you to act within law at all times.”
Dr. Martin nods as well. “I’d be lying if I said I don’t have concerns for Martin Pharmacology in this. Rich’s work means a great deal to the company, and it would be a serious blow to the business if his research turned up in the hands of one of our competitors.” His gaze takes in each person in the room. “However, we have corporate attorneys who can handle that situation, should it arise. Your job is to find him, insure that he is safe, and report to me.”
“Just how likely do you think it is, in your personal opinion, that the situation is dangerous and why?” Bandon concludes.
Dr. Martin and Slocum look at each other, a bit unsure. “Both the police and the security firm are confident that Dr. Gold was not kidnapped, as it’s been three weeks without word since his disappearance. Beyond that we simply don’t know what situation you may encounter,” the attorney replies evenly. “Of course we expect you to act with due discretion for your own safety at all times. That’s really all I have to offer you for now.”
“If there are no other questions, your contracts are in the folder. If you agree to terms please sign them and return them to me,” continues Slocum. “Travel arrangements and other expenditures will be handled through my office. The guest house has been set up for you for tonight.”
“You’re welcome to stay through Sunday morning if you like. My wife and son are visiting my in-laws in Mount Vernon this weekend, and I’m leaving the island first thing in the morning to meet them,” says Dr. Martin. “Dr. Alexander, we can set up a connection with the computers at work whenever you’re ready. In the meantime you have the records pulled together by Don. Both of our personal cell phone numbers are in there, if you need additional assistance.”
