Hi-Tech Hijack (19 page)

After breakfast on the morning of their fourth day at the underground facility, the door to Reuben’s room opened again, and a man in his fifties wearing an elegant suit and looking quite distinguished entered the room.

“Good morning. How are you, Reuben?” asked the man with the Caucasian appearance and golden brown hair with a South American Accent.

“I’m fine, thank you. But whatever is going on here isn’t.”

“I do apologize for what you and your friend have been through these past few days, but as you will come to see, we do not wish to harm you. Quite the opposite, you and your business will only benefit from cooperating with us.”

“Who’s ‘us’? And what kind of cooperation are you talking about?”

“Come, I want to show you to one of the other rooms we have here. It’ll be easier to see what it is that I am referring to.” He gestured toward the door letting a hesitant Reuben go first. Two guards were waiting in the hall, and Reuben found himself walking between them with the distinguished man behind the second guard. They walked through a maze of corridors for several minutes without seeing any other people around. The doors they passed were marked by nothing but numbers.

Someone here thought of everything and even made sure no one happens to pass by as we walk through
, thought Reuben to himself. Eventually they came to a door marked with the number thirty. The guard who walked in the lead opened it, and they entered a room that looked like a typical biotechnological laboratory. Reuben stood in the middle of the room, and the man in the suit spoke to him with a little smile on his face.

“Looks familiar,” he said.

Reuben did not reply. He stood there, completely bewildered to see an exact replica of the new main lab hall at the Ness Ziona Science Park into which they were meant to move that same week. What made the whole thing even more perplexing was that fact that on the counter and in the storage compartments was placed all the lab equipment they had packed only a few days before in the apartment in Be’er Ya’acov, including the genetic markers rulers they had worked so hard to develop for several months.

Reuben clearly identified the ruler-like gel strips that were created in the electrophoresis process by the PCR device. The order in which the stripes appeared signified the DNA composition of the specific part of matter. The order of appearance had to match the genetic marker whose code Reuben had deliberately stored separately on the company computer. Without the computer there was no way of knowing what the order of the stripes stood for. A large number of the machines and equipment still had stickers with numbers and definitions in Eddie’s, Reuben’s, and the lab technicians’ handwriting on them, specifying where they were meant be placed in the new Ness Ziona lab. Sasha’s power supplier that generated the electromagnetic radiation also stood in the corner of the room.

“How did all this get here?” Reuben finally managed to ask after pulling himself together or at least attempting to do so.

“No need to bother yourself with such logistical problems. Your mental efforts need to be focused on furthering the research and development not on such minor issues.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Reuben in the angry tone of a child unwilling to do what he’s told by his parents.

“My name is Alfonso, and I represent a group that has invested in your company through Mickey. Following your voting agreement with Mickey, we have the majority of the board, and we have decided to speed up the rate of development. In order to do that we’ve flown all the company equipment here and have a team of biochemists and lab technicians to help you and Eddie finish the work more quickly.”

“Where is Eddie?”

“He’s still in his room. We would like to reach an understanding with you first before we call him here.”

“I’m still completely lost. Our partner Mickey was supposed to move all the equipment to Ness Ziona and get the company ready for us when we came back from Japan. Instead I’m here at . . . where am I, anyway?”

“You’ll know where we are in due time. At the moment all I can tell you is that Mickey had absolutely no money in order to buy your company. Mickey is just a front man representing a bank in Vaduz, and I am operating on behalf of the investors in that bank. They came to the conclusion that Israel was not safe and decided to move the facility here so that the rest of the research wouldn’t be hurt as a result of any war or terrorism attacks in Israel.”

“And you’re telling me that Mickey knew you were going to transfer the company here?!”

“Of course, he was in on every detail of the transfer and helped us fly everything to Europe.”

“But this is kidnapping and theft!” Reuben shouted.

“That may be, but now you have to do some thinking. This week we started fundraising in one of Europe’s most prestigious stock markets where our bank is extremely well connected. The research group I am heading developed a vaccine against the Ebola virus. We did so the old fashioned way without the use of genetic hybrids and mixing DNA components as you did for your needs. We still haven’t tested on animals.

“In fact, we were going to announce our product at the Japan conference you were planning to attend. Once we learned about your research from Mickey, we knew you had managed to achieve control over the different parameters of the Ebola viruses while characterizing their different types, including the non-violent Ebola Reston. The technology you used could trump our winning card and cause seven years of research to go to waste. We had no choice but to stop you.”

“By kidnapping us?”

“I wouldn’t say kidnapping exactly. After all, I am one of the directors of the company that invested in you through Mickey, the front man. We actually now have, thanks to your voting agreement with Mickey, control over the company. But of what Mickey had told us about Eddie, we feared it would take months to convince him to merge your company with ours. We estimated Eddie would resist using the fruits of his labor for our vaccine before his cancer research was complete, and we just don’t have that kind of time. We want to apply for FDA approval this year.”

“What is it you actually need from our technology for your product?”

“We require your genetic markers pool. That pool, which is currently of no commercial value for you, will be a real treasure at our company. We need the genetic structures you have analyzed to complete the spectrum of possibilities for our vaccine. Owning the markers will immediately raise our company value. We intend to issue the company in one of Europe’s leading stock markets, and the underwriter we are working with claims we can double the company value at the public offering if we present the genetic markers pool as part of the company.”

“What’s in it for us?”

“The net worth of the merged company will very likely amount to thirty million dollars. We’ve prepared a business plan that gives each of you ten percent of the merged company. That means you’ll each be shareholder of three million dollars. Alternatively, if you wanted to cash in immediately, we would buy your share of the company as soon as the data is transferred to us, and you would get three million dollars in cash each. The money will be transferred to a Swiss bank account with the proper arrangements so that you wouldn’t have to pay the usual capital gains tax.”

Reuben unsuccessfully tried to hide his interest in such a quick-buck possibility.

“What do we need to do?”

“You need to teach us about and make a written document detailing all of the data you have about the genetic markers. I estimate we can accomplish this in a matter of weeks. I’ve prepared an agreement that states that if you complete the data transfer within the next two months max, we are committed to buying your share for three million dollars each. The agreement was drafted in Switzerland—your last known whereabouts—and if you sign it and attach a personal letter, we will forward it to your family in Israel, and they will know there’s nothing to worry about and that you’ll be back home in two months max.”

“I can’t believe this, I can’t believe this,” Reuben kept muttering, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

“It’ll be best if you do believe and cooperate. We know very well what financial difficulties you’ve reached before our fundraising. You were on the brink of total collapse, and if it weren’t for Mickey who made the connection with us, you would be looking for your next job by now. Instead we’re offering you and your partner six million dollars for no more than two months of intensive labor.”

“Still, all this doesn’t justify kidnapping. You could have convinced me at least to go ahead with the merger without all this coercion and violence. I want to hear Mickey’s explanation for all this!” said Reuben with blatant frustration.

“No problem at all. He’s been waiting for us to call. We have everything ready and set up for you to have a video chat with him.”

Alfonso politely guided Reuben to a side door that one of the guards opened, and they moved to a rectangular, fully equipped, modern conference room. At the center of the room stood an elliptical table that could seat ten people. On it was teleconference equipment, and on the wall, a large plasma screen. Alfonso fiddled with the equipment for a minute before a dialing tone was heard.

“Mickey Rush speaking.” Mickey’s voice was heard on the other end of line.

“Good morning, Mickey. I’m here with Reuben. If you press the video chat button, we’ll be able to see each other as well.”

“Right away,” said Mickey, and he asked someone on his end to turn on the equipment. A moment later his face appeared on screen. He looked calm and relaxed and was smiling his usual charming smile.

“Good morning, Reuben. I see you now. How are you?”

“How I am is really none of your business, Mickey. Would you mind explaining where you’re speaking from and where I am?”

“I’m at the offices of the investment bank in Vaduz, and you’re in the south of Spain at the company’s development labs. I trust the hospitality is nice.”

“You shouldn’t have told him where we are,” said Alfonso, interrupting.

“I’m sorry, you’re right. I spoke too soon.”

“Are you kidding me Mickey?” Reuben jumped in. “We’ve been kidnapped, drugged, held hostage for days, and you’re talking about hospitality?!”

“My apologies, Reuben. I know nothing of kidnapping. It is my understanding that you came there voluntarily, which is what the paper you’ll sign states. After all, the money I raised with my friends at Vaduz was your last resort, and these were the terms. I suppose with a reasonable man such as yourself I could have come to an agreement and understanding and transferred the project to Europe quite easily, but your pal Eddie is unpredictable, and his stubbornness has caused enough damage as it is. I just couldn’t allow myself to let him stay in control of the company.”

“I told you I was going to use the trip to Japan to sell him on the idea. You need to remember he’s still recovering from the trauma of being sick. We can’t spring it all on him at once.”

“Come on, Reuben. It would have dragged on for months. I thought despite the discomfort to you, this was the only way to get Eddie to cooperate. You know I care about you. I’d never let anything happen to you.”

“Oh really?! I’ve been in confinement for days now, my wife and parents have no idea where I am, people in Japan we’re supposed to meet are probably pissed off at us, and we’re trapped here; but you care about me! You really think you’ll get away with this?”

“Easy now, Reuben. Take a minute to think about it. I was assured you’d be held in a five-star accommodations, and as I understand it that is the case. As for the alleged kidnapping, I’m sure once you’ve heard Alfonso out and read the paper that’s been prepared, you’ll be happy to sign it. If you don’t, I’ll be at risk of all the accusations you’ve thrown at me and I certainly have no intentions of becoming a felon because of some silly stubbornness from you or Eddie. As for your family and the conference in Japan, Tzipi has already sent out e-mails to all the people you were meant to meet apologizing that you were unable to make it. She also called Ronit and Eddie’s parents and said your cell phone isn’t working and that you asked her to pass along the message. And she e-mailed Ronit from your address, saying you’re sorry you haven’t been able to call because of time differences and the tight conference schedule, and that you’ll talk this weekend. I mean, it’s not that unusual not to call home for a week, and after you sign, I’m sure Alfonso will let you make a phone call. Won’t you, Alfonso?”

“I most certainly will,” he answered with his rolling South American accent.

“You’ve thought of everything, Mickey,” said Reuben cynically in a defeated tone.

“I thought of how to minimize damages for all our sakes.”

“Yeah, right. For all our sakes . . . what about the company? Everyone was supposed to get to Ness Ziona Sunday morning.”

“Tzipi called Shlomo and the lab techs on Saturday and told them there had been a small fire in Be’er Ya’acov and some of the equipment was damaged so the move is pushed back a few weeks. She told them they were getting their paychecks on time and could take time off until you get back. Shlomo is getting all the needed help from Tzipi. My office in Herzliya is available for him to work from, and he’s doing all the necessary insurance bureaucracy from there. Shlomo and Tzipi have already had an insurance surveyor at the apartment and the police are looking into the complaint we filed to check for arson. The burning marks are clearly visible from the outside as well. It’s really quite an unpleasant sight.”

Reuben said nothing. He was stunned and confused. The simple but clever way in which Mickey tricked him and Eddie bruised his ego. He always thought of himself as a very smart man, and here someone beat him at this mind game so easily. Moreover, he never expected such a war to be waged from Mickey, the man he considered to be his new best friend until so recently. He needed time to digest everything he had just learned. If only he could talk to Eddie. Mickey acted like such an expert criminal like in one of those mobster movies and concocted the story and paperwork to clear himself from any suspicion. Wasn’t this a coerced signing? If he and Eddie testified, who would believe Mickey? Or maybe he wasn’t even planning to return to Israel? Or worse—what if Mickey was going to stop him and Eddie from ever going back home?

Mickey continued as if he had read Reuben’s mind.

“Look, Reuben, during the past six months since we’ve met, you have come to see that I can spearhead creative, unconventional business moves that ultimately result in huge profits for those who join me. I’ve introduced you to some of my friends, some of the leading business men in Israel. You know I have very serious, far-reaching connections in government. Trust me, your only chance of getting anywhere is with my plan. I suggest you think about it, and we’ll talk again in a few hours. We won’t be talking to Eddie. I want to hear your decision first. Then we can both convince him together.”

“And what if I say no?”

“I’m sure you can come to your own conclusions, Reuben. Can I risk a situation where you return to Israel and accuse me of kidnapping? And what’s in it for you? Will anyone take your word for it and put me on trial? Trust me, there will be no proof that I did anything wrong. You can count on me and my lawyers. You know the law firm that handles my affairs, and you know who the head of it is. I’m sure you remember his brother is a major player in the investigations department at the police and his wife is high up in the state’s attorney’s office. And let’s say the impossible happens and you succeed in proving anything. What then? What do you stand to gain? Your company will be gone and whatever money you have left will have been wasted on lawyers. Compare this to the alternative I’m offering—three million dollars, tax-free, in a bank here in Vaduz will have you settled. We talked so much about it on the yacht. I know for you the technology is nothing more than a means to get rich. Well here I am offering you a way to do that in a couple of months.”

“I want to talk to Eddie before I decide.”

“That makes no sense, Reuben. I want to show you a little something that might clarify things about your good friend.”

“What are you talking about?” Reuben had no idea what Mickey had up his sleeve next.

“Here, watch this. You’ll see for yourself.”

The screen flickered for a few seconds and then the image of a hospital room appeared. It was night or late evening—the light from the side lamp shown on Eddie’s feverish face. He was lying in bed with the blankets pulled down to his lower chest. Beside him on the bed sat Ronit Nevo, his doctor and Reuben’s wife.

The video showed Ronit leaning over and gently wiping the sweat from Eddie’s forehead, then softly caressing his head. Eddie put his right arm on her shoulder and pulled her close; she laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. With his left hand, Eddie stroked her head in a clearly loving motion. The video skipped to another segment—again in Eddie’s hospital room. This time he looked a lot better. It was nighttime again and he was in bed, but lying on top of the covers with Ronit leaning over him and the two of them sharing a passionate kiss. He held her closer until she lay down on top of him, their bodies clinging to each other in restrained passion. The cut to the third scene was much sharper. This time it was Eddie’s room in his apartment in Be’er Ya’acov. It showed Eddie and Ronit fully naked making love for several long minutes. The man in the suit watched Reuben’s stunned reactions. He grabbed his head with both hands and refused to look at the screen any longer.

“Here, have some water.” Alfonso handed Reuben a glass. Reuben obeyed without thinking and drank the whole glass in a single gulp. As if under hypnosis, his eyes returned to the screen that still showed Ronit and Eddie making love. Despite the erotic act what stood out more than lust was the love and tenderness they showed each other. Reuben was so shocked he could feel his heart pounding in his ears. With clenched fists he screamed at the screen, “Cut it out, you bastard, you hear me? I’ll kill you!”

“I’m sorry to cause you this heartache, Reuben, but I just thought you had to know.” Mickey’s voice sounded soft and considerate.

The video stopped and Mickey appeared on screen.

“Where do you get the nerve spying on Ronit?” Reuben’s tone was a little lower, but he made no attempt to conceal his pent up rage.

“Well, actually when we installed the camera in Eddie’s hospital room we had no idea this was what we were going to see. It was simply the investors’ demand to know of Eddie’s health firsthand. You’re both critical to the project, and after you sprang the news on me about him doing the trial on himself, the investors felt it was important to witness his recovery before they forked out the cash.”

“And being the loyal soldier, you obeyed and even installed a camera in Eddie’s home once you saw the spicy information you could get your hands on.”

“Easy there, Reuben. Don’t shoot the messenger. It’s Ronit and Eddie you’re really mad at, not me.”

“Don’t you tell me whom I’m mad at . . . I’m . . .” Reuben was so upset he couldn’t say anymore, his face red with anger, covered in tears of wrath and pain. In a gesture of mock kindness, Alfonso gave him a white handkerchief, and as Reuben wiped his face, Alfonso turned to the screen with an expression of sympathy on his face and said,

“I think we’ve had enough, Mickey. Reuben needs to rest and think about everything he’s seen and heard in the last hour.”

“I agree. Reuben, I’m sorry I had to cause you this pain, but I felt the sooner you knew the truth the better. That way you can move forward. Perhaps you can find some comfort in the fact that, as far as we know, the scene in Eddie’s apartment was a one-time thing, and we have no information of any more encounters.”

“Some comfort that is. You can go to hell, you and your administrative pimp Tzipi,” mumbled Reuben as Alfonso gently took him by the arm and showed him to his room with the guards accompanying him to the door.

“There’s water here, and I’m leaving a pill of valium for you, too, in case you need something to help you calm down. I’ll meet you again this afternoon, but if you want to talk before that, just knock on the door and ask for Professor Alfonso, and they’ll come and get me.”