Evil Intent (8 page)

Chapter 10

T
he clock turned 6:00 as Kathryn sprung out of bed bright and early Saturday morning. She immediately pulled off her night shirt, tossing it on the bed, and went into her bathroom, briefly stopping at the sink on her way back out, to wash her hands, brush her teeth, and run a comb through her thick, black hair.

Kathryn was always stretching or flexing some muscle to stay limber or rid her anxiety, whichever. She stretched her arms high over her head, be
fore reachi
ng for her elbow, first grabbing her left elbow with her right hand pulling toward her head then reversing the position. She did this several times as she walked over to the window to see what the weather was like. She liked to run several miles in Central Park every Saturday morning, and wanted to look outside to be sure it didn’t look like rain. It appeared to be clear skies. That most likely would turn out hot and humid. But at this hour, the air was cool and running would feel good.

Oblivious over what she had just done while standing in front of a window, she spotted the familiar young man across the street smiling and waving at his morning delight. Kathryn cocked her head, stuck her tongue out at him, giving him that infamous finger salute he so deserved.

For gosh sakes, when am I going to learn. This is Manhattan, girl, not isolated Mattituck! That son of a bitch neighbor across the street is not going to pass up a chance to sneak a peek at a naked chic standing at an open window - on second thought, Mr. Pervert does look kind of hot standing there in that Tee shirt of his - don’t go there girl! Her subconscious says. What’s wrong with you!

Kathryn turned, still pissed at the guy, and immediately went to find some clothes. She put on a colorful pink and grey sport bra, hot pink running shorts, and a light weight shorty jacket in multi colors of pink, purple, grey, and white. The jacket zipped close, and had two little pockets on the left and right that held her keys and a small wallet. Even her running shoes had pink laces and her socks had pink and white stripes. Other than her black hair, she looked like the all American Barbie-doll. On the way out the door, she grabbed her NY Yankee baseball hat. She was off.

Once outside, she did a couple warm-up exercises on the building steps then took off toward the park. Usually Kathryn opted for the shorter of two long runs in the Park. If she ran the outer loop of the entire park, it would be slightly over six miles. A shorter route was possible that would reduce the run to 5.2 miles. Of course, doubling the run one exceeded 10 miles. Today would be the 5.2 mile run.

From Freedom Place, it was just a few blocks to the Park. Soon, Kathryn was in full stride, under the trees of Central Park. It was beautiful this morning - a perfect day - cool, dry, with a gentle breeze in the air.

Usually, she wore her arm band to hold the music player, but today she was hell bent on thinking about work and at least trying to plan what to do at Monday’s sales meeting. Sharing the news about the FDA approval was easy, but instructing the staff on what needed to be done was a bit more complicated.

She wasn’t more than two miles into the run, when she concluded that she really didn’t have to do too much, to prepare. It shouldn’t be that difficult, nothing special, just the facts, she thought. Then, empower the people to do what they do best - take care of their clients. Kathryn knew she was well prepared, having attended all those sessions with Dr. Andreyushkin. Besides, she had already introduced her team to the technical basics.

This could be quite easy, to be honest. What’s the big deal, she thought? Just announce the damn FDA approval we received and tell them to get out to everyone ASAP! Tell them to sell, sell, sell!

Kathryn’s brain paused for a second as she pondered that thought.

Wait a minute. I can do better than that. I really don’t need to take any chances on this one. What if I outline just a few simple talking points? Then, I’ll give everyone the outline Monday morning, and ask them to follow it. Whoa, he’s cute!
Kathryn felt as if a young Robert Redford ran passed her.
I’ve never him before.
Kathryn thought of picking up the pace to stay with the gorgeous blonde but decided otherwise.
Oh well, can’t win them all. Maybe he’ll notice me next time. Got to remember to check the news this weekend and see if the company announcement broke yet in the major Newspapers. That’s what I’ll do. What a plan!

Happy over the decision she just made, Kathryn hunkered down and picked up her running pace unzipping her jacket as the morning temperature began to rise.

Boy, am I going to definitely take the shorter route this morning. If I continue this outer loop, I’ll enter the northwest corner of the Park. That’s the highest ground in the entire Park where this path starts climbing uphill to almost one hundred feet above where I’m standing now. I think that steep grade will be too hard for me today. The sky looks clear, but I can already feel the humidity. I’m going to cut through to the west side at 104th street. That will still get in more than five miles today.

Kathryn did just that, cutting across the Park from the east side to the west side, then jogging south on a path adjacent to Central Park West. She naturally spotted the large Dakota Apartments, where John Lennon lived, and of course jogged around Strawberry Fields once nearing 72nd Street. Soon, she was back at Columbus Circle where she had originally entered Central Park.

Wow! That felt great!

Kathryn randomly walked around, sometimes in circles to loosen up a few minutes before lifting her leg and placing her leg on a rail to stretch. Alternating each leg back and forth from the rail, then dropping her foot to the ground stretching it out behind her. Back and forth, several times - left leg, right leg, forward, back.

Oh my, does that feel good!

The street corner was a popular and very busy intersection. It was a famous intersection where Central Park South, Central Park West, 7th Avenue, Broadway, and Columbus Avenue all enter Columbus Circle. Kathryn crossed the street, heading west on her way back to her apartment, when she decided to stop at the grocery store. Once on the west side of the intersection, she entered the Time Warner building, and took the escalator down one level to one of the largest Whole Foods Grocery stores in the city.

Maybe I’ll just grab a Greek yogurt and a piece of fresh fruit. Where is.... oh, there it is, aisle 4. Yogurt should be enough for now.

Kathryn scooted down toward aisle 4, remembering to turn left into the aisle and the yogurt would be on the left side. As she rushed toward the aisle, preoccupied, she continued her thoughts.

I still have some of the turkey home to make a sandwich for lunch so I’m fine there. What else do I possible want while I’m here?

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry sir,” Kathryn said embarrassed and apologetic as she damn near smashed right into a gentleman bending over, reaching for a product.

“What the hell?” said the man, “you need to be more careful young lady! Kathryn? Is that you?

“I’m sorry, I should have watched.... Oh no, Doctor Marks? What are you doing here? Kathryn asked immediately turning a deep shade of pink as she realized that was a stupid thing to ask.

“What do you mean what am I doing here? I’m shopping, which is more logical than you trying to run a marathon in a crowed grocery store.”

“I am so embarrassed Dr. Marks. What can I say?”

“It’s Richard. And that’s ok. Don’t feel too bad, no harm done. Do you live in this neighborhood?”

“Yes, a few blocks from here. Trump Place - the 180 building. And you?”

“I live over in the east side, but had to walk over here to pick up something I couldn’t find. I take it you’re a runner?”

“Yes sir,”

“Please call me Richard, Kathryn.”

“Oh, Ok. Thank you. Richard. Yes, I do like running. I frequently run in the Park.”

“Me too, I usual run every morning. Like I said, I needed to pick up something and didn’t do my normal routine today.”

“Cool. Maybe I’ll bump into you one of these mornings.”

“I’d like that Kathryn. How far did you jog today, if I may ask?”

“I’d say a little over 5 miles.”

“That’s great. Maybe we could run together one of these mornings. I’d like trying to run with a buddy.”

Buddy? Wow. He wants me to be his buddy? I wonder if a buddy gets any sexual benefits. Stop it Kathryn!

“Me too.”

As the couple finally said their goodbyes, Kathryn grabbed a yogurt, turned and walked away just as Richard Marks turned facing her. He was suddenly spellbound by her sexy sport bra, colorful little jacket, still unzipped, hot pink shorts, and that baseball cap. Holding his glasses in one hand, he simply thought to himself, “nice outfit! You are definitely, one hell of a beautiful woman, Kathryn!”

Chapter 11

“G
ood morning everyone,” Kathryn started, “I want to thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to gather here today. I have some exciting news to share that I think many of you have already heard about this weekend. On Friday, our newest and most exciting diabetic insulin pump was released to the public. We think this may be the biggest advancement to diabetic research since the creation of synthetic insulin.”

Kathryn was addressing a sizable audience, who immediately broke into applause over the acceptance of the new device that everyone eagerly had awaited.

“I’m sure most of you are aware of some of the shortfalls of synthetic insulin, but for those who may not be as familiar, synthetic insulin is identical in structure as your own natural insulin. However, the problem is that synthetic insulin tends to clump - it clings together - in a way that ultimately will take a long time for one’s body to absorb the insulin. Our new Diage pump solves this dilemma by injecting the smallest known quantities of insulin. As small as 1/10th or smaller doses can be injected to, in effect, simulate natural insulin production by the pancreas.”

Kathryn paused to change the computer screen.

“You may have seen, several articles such as the Saturday New York Times or Wall Street Journal that announced the approval of the new Diage Diabetic Pump or DDP as they called it. In case some of you missed this, allow me to please read from the Wall Street Journal, the official FDA announcement.” Kathryn said as she projected the article on a computer screen for all to see.

“The US Food and Drug Administration today approved a device known as the Diage AU003 Diabetic Pump, the first FDA approved insulin pump that can substantially imitate the body’s exact natural insulin process by administering doses of insulin as small as 1/12th of a unit of insulin. Type One diabetes is a serious disease that can advance and impact other organs of the body as well as add to life threatening conditions. This approval provides the patient and health providers with an extremely effective, and normal treatment for Type 1 diabetes.”

Kathryn paused from her presentation, to see if there were any questions at that point. A few members of the audience spoke up, primarily wanting assurance that the device is immediately available. Others asked questions such as which papers covered the story. One gentleman inquired whether copies of the FDA announcement would be available for distribution. Finally, the last question was from a young lady concerning the existing Gemini equipment.

“That is an excellent question Kathy, which leads me to my final comments. I called you to this meeting today, not only to share the news of our company’s success, but to encourage each of you to assist in explaining the significant improvements and advances we have made. I am providing you today with a company prepared release of the benefits of the AU003 pump. As a word of caution, many clients have recommended and are caring for patients who are currently using our Gemini One-Step diabetic pump as Kathy so aptly inquired about. This model will continue in production and we must exercise care so that no one misunderstands our message. Our patients are safe and can continue using our Gemini device if they wish to do so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, for those who do decide to change, or those new patients who, may be considering an insulin pump for the first time, this new device is a wonderful opportunity to obtain the most advanced device on the market to manage and monitor this serious disease. So please be considerate as we communicate with our customers. We have some challenging sales goals to meet, which will be forthcoming, but the safety and concerns of our customers and their patients must be our highest priority.”

Before Kathryn adjourned the meeting, one of her managers spoke about how and when everyone will obtain printed material on the new device and where to go, should additional questions rise. There briefly was another flurry of questions, but soon the employees one by one, began to leave. Kathryn, was standing with her back to the audience when Suki approached the front of the room.

“Well done boss,” she began as Kathryn turned around.

“Oh hi Suki, do you really think it was ok?”

“Of course, you did fine. I really think a lot of folks are actually excited about it. To be honest, I was a little surprised it happened so quickly, from what we’ve talked about.”

“Me too. You should have seen Duncan Friday afternoon,” Kathryn said looking around to be sure no one was standing nearby or listening to their conversation. “Say, how about lunch sometime this week. We can catch up then. Right now I need to high tail it back to my office. Today could be rather hectic to say the least.”

“Sounds great. I’ll call Barbara and find out when your calendar looks best. See you later.”

Kathryn immediately returned to her office and, as expected, found out from Barbara that Ted Duncan had already called and that several client calls had also been received regarding the news about the new device. Apparently, several people noticed the newspaper articles.

“I’ll call Ted right now, Barb. Could you please get me a cup of coffee?”

“No vodka?”

“Yeah. Maybe, not just yet, but later this afternoon, I’m certain that will be high on my priority list!”

Just as Barbara left to go brew a fresh pot of coffee, Kathryn was bombarded with another question.

“Knock, knock,” said Donald Gingrich, standing in Kathryn’s doorway waving a newspaper and not looking too pleased. “What the hell is this Kathryn? Were you aware of all this? I’ve been hollering for two weeks voicing concerns over Andreyushkin, and especially over specifics like stress testing the device. I had no idea the company was talking to the FDA and rapidly preparing to release this device. And, I am an executive!”

“Not now, Donald. I am very busy.”

“Busy? Kathryn, the device hasn’t been thoroughly reviewed! That’s serious.”

“Donald, please. I can update you later on what took place.”

“I don’t get it. Don’t I have a say in the roll out?”

“No Donald. Frankly, you don’t. I know you’ve been complaining, but without hard evidence of anything going wrong, I told you once before, senior management doesn’t give a shit. They need this product, and without evidence of serious issues how can anyone stop the rollout? You know what they think. There is never enough time or money to test everything. They believe there comes a time when enough is enough. Now, I must ask you to leave. I am late for a very important call.” Kathryn said angrily as she picked up her phone and spun her chair around.

“Fine. I guess I’ll need to prove to them I’ve been right!”

Just then Barbara returned with the coffee, and hearing part of the commotion, tried to help Kathryn, by telling Donald some fabrication.

“Hi Donald, you may want to leave before Ted gets here. He was pissed a moment ago and said he was coming over.”

With that, Donald turned and stormed away from Kathryn’s office.

“Are you ok Kathryn?” Barbara asked, placing the coffee on her desk.

“I’m fine. He just gets on my nerves every now and then. I just don’t know how to take that guy. He seems genuinely concerned about some things, and regardless of what Ted did, denying Donald that job, Donald really seems to care about the company, Barbara. He’s very loyal and always wants the right or just outcome. I only wish he had more hard evidence supporting the shortfalls he’s always complaining about. All I know is that today he seems pissed off. Really pissed.”

After another hour passed, the incoming calls seemed to be occurring faster than Kathryn could return them.

“Kathryn, I’m sorry,” shouted Barbara, “but I think you want to take this one. Line two.”

“Kathryn Becker speaking. How may I assist you?”

“Wow, don’t you sound formal! This is Richard Marks calling.”

“Oh, sorry Dr. Marks. I didn’t know it was you on the line.”

“Please, it’s Richard. Just call me Richard.”

“Ok. It’s Richard, then. I’m sorry. I should have known. I meant to say something when I saw you in the grocery store Saturday. It slipped my mind, but it’s all taken care of.”

“What?”

“I know about your call, you didn’t have to call again. I will personally handle the account, and Randy won’t be sent out there again, or I should have said no one, other than me I guess, will be sent out there again.”

“Kathryn, that’s not why I’m calling.”

Suddenly, there was dead silence on the other end of the line.

“Hello?”

“I’m here, sorry.”

“Please stop apologizing for everything. You didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Why did you call then?”

“Do you like playing cards?”

“What?”

“I said, do you like playing cards? Games, like Bridge?”

“Oh. Yeah. I guess so.”

“Good. I’d like to invite you to play cards with me.”

“Really? Oh.”

“Would you?”

“Was that a yes?”

“No. I mean yes. Rather, no I didn’t answer but yes I would like to play cards. Ok? Is that good?” She said, completely torn apart, rattled and confused by Richard’s question.

“Yes it’s good. Thank you. I play on Wednesday. I can pick you up at your apartment. Say 7 pm? I’ll meet you in the lobby if you’d like.”

“You know where I live?”

“Yes, you told me Saturday.”

“Oh yeah. That’s right. Great, I’ll see you then! Oh wait! What should I wear?”

“Pants are fine. Yes. Country Club Casual. That’ll be fine.”

“Ok.”

“Thanks Kathryn, bye.”

“Bye.”

Wow, what the hell was that? I can’t believe it. How does he do that to me? I felt totally out of control! I’m going out with Dr. Marks? On a date? To play Bridge? Holy shit! I don’t remember how to play bridge. Country club casual? What the hell is that? Get a grip girl! And take a deep breath!

Kathryn sat perfectly still for a few moments, shocked and overwhelmed over the call from Richard. Her head was swimming with visions of what may have just happened, what did happen on Saturday, what could happen this Wednesday. Her heart was still beating faster than normal and rainbow shivers were still running up and down her legs. After all, she was ecstatic that the handsome doctor for some reason has taken notice. And it’s personal, too. That she was certain of. Kathryn took in that deep breath, and picked up the phone.

“Suki? It’s me. You are not going to believe what the hell just happened.”