'O' Majority: Second Edition

By Vincent Roberts

It's 2040 and most of the world is addicted to opioid drugs. Overdose deaths are mounting at an alarming rate. In the USA, the drugs are being controlled by the 'O' MAJORITY, an organization that includes big pharma, big buisness, corrupt doctors and over half the Washington D.C. politians, including the President and the First Lady. Money, power and, of course, the seduction of the drugs are the motivators in the poisonous scheme. The latest atrocity is the development of an opioid-laced soft drink that has widespread and unregulated distributution, cynically targeting the youth of America. The resistance movement to destroy the opioid conspiracy is spearheaded by the combined forces of the SLEEPING DRAGON and the DISCIPLES OF TOMORROW. When the 'O' MAJORITY begins deliberately murdering the rebels, they fight back with strength and determination. Across the USA, the battle begins, wages and ends with apocolyptic results.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vincent Roberts
• Release date: Jun 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781393941361

Book preview

West Hollywood, California

The waiting room of the clinic was faintly lit and the shadowy gray wallpaper was discolored and timeworn. Hannah Sweeney, the twenty-five-year-old medical assistant, had complained numerous times of the stale odor and shabby appearance of the entire clinic.

Every time she made this criticism, her boss, Dr. Ethan Jones, would remind her there wasn’t any redecorating money in the budget. In fact, as far as Ethan was concerned, there was nothing was in the budget anymore. His annual income had dropped to a meager thirty-thousand dollars a year. He recalled his pay being much higher fifteen years before, almost ten times more than what he was presently earning.

Hannah reminded him they were all living on very little money since the government had cut their grant dollars, but they still had to find a way to maintain the clinic and its presence in the community.

However, Ethan noticed that Hannah always had the extra cash to purchase expensive designer shoes and handbags. She worked most of her hours at Ethan’s clinic, but seemed to find the time to help out at more than fifteen other addictions clinics in the greater Los Angeles area. She had a noticeable presence in many places.

Wayne Lewis, the clinic’s slightly obese case worker, usually found some way to diffuse the arguments between Ethan and Hannah before they escalated into a screaming match. He agreed with Hannah but also knew Ethan was broke and alone and living in a low rent one-room apartment in the bad section of the city.

As the threesome entered the reception area, Hannah questioned, Do you remember what today is Dr. Jones? as she flapped her appointment book in the air.

Ethan rolled his eyes and shook his head as he responded, Of course, I know what today is. It’s the day we start treatment on that actress. I don’t recall her name.

Hannah proclaimed, That’s right. Today is the day we begin our detox program on the one and only Dina Burgess.

Dr. Ethan Jones was a fit, five-foot nine man with black spiky hair and dark round glasses. He ran his hand across his hair, sighed heavily, and added, I hate working with famous people. They think we owe them the world, as if they’ve done something significant other than make a few films. Remember that baseball player we worked with last year? He thought he was the lord and master and we were his servants instead of a medical team.

Wayne chuckled and remarked, It’s called entitlement, my friend.

Hannah argued, She may be one of those entitled but she’s paying for her entire treatment up front and in cash. Her time with us alone will be more money than we’ve made here in the past six months. As far as I’m concerned, this woman can be as entitled as she wants. We’ll just play along and hold our tongues. Hannah seemed to think that she deserved the last word in all matters.

Ethan remarked, Once she gets here, we’ll conduct a short consult and then head out of here. She’s already given all the intake information. Is the safehouse all set up for the detox and the follow up treatment?

Hannah, brushing her long red hair from her shoulders, stated, It is. I located a nice home for a very low price. I was there all day yesterday getting it stocked and ready for the next few weeks. The medications are there and, wait until you see it. It’s completely private.

Hannah seemed proud of the fact that she had managed to secure such a respectable setting for the patient’s detox and recovery. She looked around balefully, wishing she could say the same for the office.

Dr. Jones mentioned, That’s good. You’re always on top of things, Hannah. The more privacy, the better. You said you’ve already taken all the detox medications that we’ll need?

Yes, I did, enough for three weeks. I just can’t believe how difficult it is to find the drugs we need these days. What is this world coming to? Who ever thought a doctor would have to buy black market drugs to manage the symptoms and cravings of opioid addiction?

Ethan lectured, That’s what it’s all turned into, Hannah. The big drug companies want to keep those medications off the market. Somehow, trying to do the right thing has become out of fashion and archaic. He then inquired, How far out of the city is this place?

She replied, It’s about an hour and a half by car. It’s in Apple Valley. After she arrives, we’ll get through the introductions and get to the desert by noon. All three of us can go to do the initial setup. I do believe she’s bringing someone with her. I think it’s her recent boyfriend or a relative or something. Hannah picked up a clipboard and took another look at the actress’s paperwork.

The good doctor peered at the stained clock on the wall. He noticed that the second hand wasn’t moving at all. That can’t be the correct time. The battery must be dead.

Hannah was annoyed. She took a breath and closed her eyes for a moment before she announced in an aggrieved voice, Dr. Jones, that clock hasn’t worked in over two months.

Ethan, thinking that Hannah was trying to make him appear stupid in front of Wayne, snapped at her. Well, what time is it? She’s supposed to be arriving here at nine.

Hannah instantly snapped back. It’s eight forty-five! Why don’t you fork out ten dollars and buy yourself a watch?

Wayne scurried to the rear of the building to get the rest of the lights turned on. Hannah headed towards consult room one. Ethan gazed at the clock again and shook his head before he rejoined Hannah and Wayne in the back of the building.

The phone rang at the front desk. While Ethan clumsily ran to answer it, he shouted, And where is that new receptionist you hired? She’s late again! We can’t run an office if we don’t have a warm body here to answer the damned phones! He reluctantly picked up the receiver and said, "Hello, this is Lasting Hope Addiction Center, how can I help you?"

The scratchy voice with a heavy British accent on the other end stated, Miss Dina Burgess will be arriving at your office promptly at nine-thirty this morning. I want to be sure there are no other patients in your clinic as promised. She must have total confidentiality.

Ethan responded, There’s no one else here, but I thought we agreed that she was supposed to be here at nine?

The voice explained, There was a slight change in the arrival time that couldn’t be avoided. Will nine-thirty still be suitable?

Ethan tried to keep the frustration out of his voice when he said, Alright then, we’ll see Dina Burgess at nine-thirty. He laid the phone back in its cradle and ended the call.

Ethan stood near the front desk and watched the new receptionist frantically rushing through the front door, knowing that she was already twenty minutes late.

The pink-haired eighteen-year-old seemed somewhat disheveled as she apologized for her tardiness. Dr. Jones, I’m so sorry. I know I’m late again. I promise, this’ll be the last time. I’ll never be late again. She bowed her head and appeared to be genuinely sorry.

Ethan frowned, pointed his finger at her and replied, This is the last time. Remember, we’re running an addictions clinic here and we can’t have a clinic without a receptionist. You’re going to have to work on your time management skills a little better, Amy.

She corrected him. It’s not Amy. My name is April, April Carter.

Ethan turned to her and asked her for some clarification. What?

She repeated, My name is April Carter but you always call me Amy.

The doctor didn’t really care what her name was but he assured her, I’ll try to remember your name is ... April?

She nodded her head, Yes, April.

The main phone rang again. Hannah popped her head out through the reception window and barked, Could you get to your desk and answer the phones, April?

Startled, April darted around to the reception desk and sat down. She smiled at Ethan and Hannah as they headed into their separate offices. Then, she answered the call.

Ethan sat in his tiny rundown six by nine office and opened his seven-year-old computer. He stared at the time in the bottom right corner and waited until nine-thirty had come and gone. He watched as it changed to ten o’clock. Before he knew it, it was eleven o’clock and, still, there was no Dina Burgess.

He was furious and frustrated. He knew her pay would be substantial and he needed that money to get the bills paid. The incidental checks he’d received over the years from an anonymous donor had abruptly stopped six months prior, and every day was becoming more and more of a struggle to keep the lights on.

At that point, all Ethan could think to do was to get some facetime with the only calming person in his life. He hit the call button on the old computer and, soon enough, his screen was filled with the attractive visage of Harper Wright. Harper was a pain management physician in The Bronx. She had golden hair and kind blue eyes and possessed an upbeat and optimistic personality. She smiled and politely inquired, Well, hello there. How are you doing today, Ethan?

He responded, You look great, Harper. I’m doing alright. You know, money problems and late employees as usual. I just really needed to speak to someone about our latest patient, who, by the way, should have been here by now, actually hours ago. She’s an actress.

Harper jumped in and lectured, Not that! Tell me you didn’t stoop to that level, not the rich and famous. Ethan you know how problematic they can be to detox. Even when they’re all sober, their attitudes are a problem.

He explained, I didn’t even want to engage this one but we need the money so desperately these days. You know what I’m talking about. We can’t pick and choose our patient population these days. We have to take what we can get.

Dr. Wright explained, Every time we get anyone who’s a well-to-do or renowned person, it’s like we’re treating a spoiled thirteen-year-old child. Actually, it’s harder than detoxing a thirteen-year-old. They’re impossible.

Ethan could see Harper was glancing at her daily paperwork as she conversed. He put his hand up and said, That’s the truth.

She sympathized with his problem. I feel your frustration Ethan and I wish I could be there to help you but ...

Ethan interrupted, Then why don’t you come here? You know we’d make a great team again, Harper, like we used to be.

Harper shook her head. We’re not going to have that conversation today, Ethan. You know I can’t do that. I have my practice here and I have no desire to live the California lifestyle. We’ve been through this conversation way too many times, and then we hit the same brick wall, Ethan.

He scratched the top of his head, smiled and said, I know your feelings Harper. I just thought it couldn’t hurt for the two of us to maybe give it one more try.

She giggled as she responded, Damn, you are persistent. I’ll give you that.

He quickly changed the subject. So, tell me what’s happening in your world these days. I guess the street violence has gotten as bad there as it’s gotten here.

Harper specified, Oh yes, it’s become a constant problem. It’s as if we’re living in some third world country. There’ve been shootings and fires and even bombings of addiction clinics and churches and high schools. The government’s cut all of our grant money just like they’ve done to you, and the medicines are getting harder and harder to find. I thank God every day that I have some very influential friends here.

There was a moment of silence before Ethan inquired, Has there been anyone new in your life? Have you been dating?

Somewhat annoyed at the question, but expecting it nonetheless, Harper let out a breath and replied, No, Ethan, I haven’t been dating anyone. You know better than anyone that this job takes up all my time. Besides, that’s not what our breakup was about. You know it was never about us ending up with other people.

Ethan seemed aggravated, I know. I know. Location, location, location, as he bobbed his head up and down.

Harper made the same promise every time they spoke. That’s right, and when you return to your senses and come back to New York we can talk about our future, but not until then.

There was another uncomfortable moment of silence before Ethan answered with a despairing plea, I love you, Harper Wright. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, and you should know that by now.

She answered, I do know that, Ethan.

Then, he blatantly asked, Do you still love me?

Harper responded, Of course, I do, but it’s not that cut and dry, Ethan. Things stopped being simple when you moved away.

Almost begging, Ethan asked, Haven’t you even considered coming here to California with me? You know we make one hell of a team, Harper. She saw that Ethan was beginning to repeat himself in his usual fashion.

She didn’t mind the comment as she smiled, We did make one hell of a combination, but you know I won’t leave New York. That’s impossible. This is my home. This is the city where I was born and raised. You should have thought about that when you decided to pick up and move three-thousand miles away to sunny California. She was noticing the time and all the work that still needed to get done.

Again, Ethan paused for a moment. Then, he added, I’m so lonely here without you. I still wake up in the morning wishing that you were next to me in bed. I eat alone and sleep alone. I hate the fact that you’re not here.

Harper didn’t give in to her emotions. She remained resolute as she returned, You know it’s difficult for both of us, Ethan, but I don’t see our situations changing anytime soon. You made your choice and you’re going to have to learn to live with it for now.

Ethan tried to smile, but couldn’t conceal his unhappiness and frustration. I’m really sorry I said all that, Harper.

Harper couldn’t deal with his emotional plea or puppy dog expressions and, at that moment, she asserted with an ultimatum. You know we can’t go through this every time we speak to each other. It’s like you’re beating a dead horse over and over. If we have to go over this every time we speak, maybe we should call each other a little less in the future. The subject is a moot point for me and it should be for you too. I have things to do. I have to go, Ethan. I’ll talk to you.

Ethan still looked like a wounded animal as he tried to have the last word, begging her, Harper, please don’t cut off communication with me again. She half-smiled and pushed the hang up key on her laptop.

Ethan knew there was nothing he could do as he hung his head. He knew he had to get a grip on his emotions.

The Bronx, New York City

Harper smiled one more time as she shut her laptop down and Ethan’s dejected face faded to a black screen. Olivia Young, her bright and beautiful medical assistant, stood over Harper’s shoulder and asked, Who was that good-looking man on your laptop, Harper?

Harper replied, Oh, that’s not just any man. That was my husband.

Olivia was svelte and chic with dark bobbed hair, strong features and a no-nonsense approach to life. She tilted her head, squinted her eyes and questioned, You never mentioned him to me. How do you keep a secret like that? And why would you ever divorce such a handsome man? He’s very fine-looking, but I suppose I’m a sucker those geeky types every time.

We’re not actually divorced, but we’ve been separated for the past five years. It’s a long and complicated story, Olivia, but the abbreviated version is that he decided he wanted the California sunshine and, well, I’m a New York girl through and through. I would never leave my city, not even for a man.

Olivia sarcastically joked, Really? The noise, the crime, the snow, the traffic, the pollution? I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to stay in this paradise forever.

Harper laughed along with the joke before she said, I guess I must be crazy, but New York has my heart, at whatever the cost. Besides, I have a lot invested in this clinic and this damned war on the opioid addictions. I can’t just give everything up for him because he says so.

As she shuffled her small stack of files on her desk, Harper reminded Olivia, Don’t forget, I told you we’re shutting down early today. We don’t have any patients scheduled this afternoon and I’m all caught up on my paperwork. Be sure to let Tony, at the front desk, know.

Olivia warned Harper, I’ll tell you now, Tony’s not going to be happy. He’s going to start screaming about money. What time do you want me to tell him?

Harper peered at the old wooden clock on the wall and guessed, I’d say we lock it up around two o’clock? Harper stared back at the files in front of her.

Before she exited Harper’s office, Olivia crossed her fingers in the air and said, Alright, I’ll let him know. Wish me luck.

Once Olivia was out of sight, Harper turned her head and stared at her blank computer screen. She talked as if the image of her husband’s face was still there. Ethan, you’re such a big dummy. Why did you ever go to California?

Harper took her phone out of her pocket and, with her pointer finger, scrolled through her phone directory until she found the number she was looking for. She dialed and waited for someone to pick up on the other end. After several rings, a deep male voice answered, I’ve been waiting for you to call all morning.

Harper tried to explain, I’m sorry. I was trying to get things done here so we could close the shop by two.

The man’s voice remarked, I suppose that’s understandable. So, then we’re still meeting at three as planned, correct?

Harper tried to keep her voice down when she replied, Three o’clock as planned. Are you sure everyone will be there on time?

I told everyone and each person confirmed they’d be there.

She said, I have another question. I don’t know how you feel about this, but do you think I could invite one of my loyal employees to join in the meeting today?

The deep voice probed, Can this person be trusted?

Harper replied, I think so. She’s extremely devoted to the cause. She works long hours for very little money.

There was a short pause on the other end of the line before the voice expressed, Why don’t we wait on that. We can invite her to the next meeting. Let’s just keep this meeting limited to our primary group for today.

Harper wasn’t disappointed or angry at his answer. Alright, that sounds reasonable. I’ll see you at three o’clock.

The voice replied, I’ll see you then, before he hung up.

Harper placed her phone on the desk and went back to staring at the blank computer screen, wishing she could share this with Ethan, wishing she could announce her new association with The Sleeping Dragon organization. She whispered, I’m sorry I kept this from you, Ethan, but it’s all being done for the greater good.

Olivia stood unnoticed outside Harper’s door as she eavesdropped on the phone call. She wasn’t sure what it was about and she didn’t know if she should question it. She heard the raucous, piercing sounds of police and ambulance sirens as they rushed down the street outside the clinic. She chose not to confront Harper about her phone call. Instead, she simply continued on with her day as she walked into the reception area.

Tony Davis, an overweight college junior, sat behind the sliding glass window listening to music and eating a donut. Olivia slid the glass open and announced, Tony, we’re going to be closing at two o’clock today.

Ready to pounce, he abruptly turned his music off, removed his earbuds and complained, Another early day! How am I ever going to pay off my student loans if I’m only working twenty hours a week? How do I pay for my books? This is just a lot of bullshit, Olivia!

Olivia retaliated, You know, you’re not the only one struggling around here, Tony. It’s the same story for each one of us. I’m a medical assistant and I’m two months behind in my rent. I don’t want to hear it. We all have problems.

Tony was stunned at the fact that Olivia had put him in his place. He’d never heard her speak up like that before. Olivia was confident she’d gotten her point across when she watched him bow his head and put his earbuds back in.

Olivia returned to her office in the very back of the building. She sat at her desk and stared at her phone. She wanted to call her old college professor, Aiden Brown, but she didn’t want to appear forward and possibly disturb him.

Since she graduated from Joliet State University, she remained close friends with Aiden. She hesitated calling him because she knew their conversations were always centered around the venting of her problems and her relationships and her financial burdens, never his.

Aiden never seemed to get a word in once Olivia began ranting. She hated the fact that she did this to him each time they talked. She even made a promise to herself that she’d stop doing this, but it happened again and again.

Olivia had no other friends or confidents in the world. She figured this was why she’d pour out every issue and thought when she could to Aiden. He happily let her go on each time. He was her only friend and her only outlet. She considered him to be the father she’d never really had.

Joliet, Illinois

The unpretentious, two-hundred seat, non-denominational church rested quietly on the outer streets of Joliet, Illinois. Reverend Madison Lee, always energetic and eager and able to keep her composure, was holding a special meeting with the members of her congregation on that particular Monday morning. She stood sternly at the pulpit as the audience arrived one by one.

The first congregant to enter the church was Elizabeth Duffy, an aging nurse who worked at an addiction’s clinic in downtown Joliet. Physically, Elizabeth had seen better days, but she still wanted to be a part of the rebel undertaking.

In her years, she’d never married. After a few failed relationships, there was a day in her life when she decided she liked animals more than she liked humans. The children around town referred to her as the Strange Cat Lady when they learned she was mother to fifteen felines.

Clyde Bradshaw and his wife hurried into the building, believing they were late for the gathering. At six feet three inches tall and covered in tattoos, he towered over his pretty young wife who was only five-two.

Clyde was recently retired from the military and spending most of his time working on plans to assist his community in the war on drugs. He was proud that four years earlier, with his assistance, Joliet had become the first completely opioid-free city in the country. He hoped that many more cities would follow.

In a grey suit and bow tie, Professor Aiden Brown, had a distinguished appearance. He had a grey beard, thinning hair and little round wire glasses. He projected a comforting presence as he hugged each person he walked past, looking to find a seat.

This tall, lanky man was a chemistry teacher at Joliet State University. After a rewarding thirty-five years of teaching, Aiden observed that many of his fellow congregants were students from one of his classes, at one time or another.

Reverend Lee, with her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, and dressed casually in jeans and a white blouse, stood at the podium with a fifteen-foot wooden cross resting like a giant tree on the platform behind her. She observed as Shane Griffin, a local police officer, and Thelma Lanning, the founder of the organization Mother’s for a Better Living, walked in.

Shane’s closest friend, Luke Acosta, a long time caregiver who worked over ten years at an opiate transitional program, also filtered in and took his seat.

By eleven, the church was filled far beyond its capacity. The two-hundred seats were occupied while the overflow stood against the back and side walls. There was a great deal of dialogue going on between the attendees until Madison raised her hand into the air as a motion to silence the talk. Instantly, the room became silent. Good Monday morning to everyone! Thank you for attending today’s meeting! If you’re new here today, I want to welcome you! Let’s get this summit started!

An overwhelming calm fell over the room. It was so calm, it seemed as if the congregation were frozen in their chairs when Madison said, Let’s bow our heads and pray.

Heads lowered and many held hands with the person sitting next to them. Madison stated, Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless the congregation of this church that sits before you today. I beseech you to bless the millions of lost souls in this country and around the world who cannot find a way to help themselves anymore. I ask you to guide and watch over each one of us as we set out to change this world and eliminate the evil that controls so many of our brothers and sisters. Keep us safe and fill us with your holy spirit today and in these dismal days we’re facing. Help to make our minds clear and focused and watch over those who have senselessly lost this longstanding battle for life. Guide us towards victory. I ask this in your blessed name. Amen.

The congregation took a moment to meditate and reflect on Madison’s prayer before they opened their eyes, sat up and paid close attention again. She continued, My dear friends in Joliet, I’m not going to be doing a lot of the talking today. Instead, I’m going to happily turn the microphone over to Clyde Bradshaw.

The tall, ex-marine, with a shaved head and colorfully inked arms, looked down at his meek and unassuming wife Ashley before he stood up and approached the pulpit.

Everyone applauded. "Hello, everybody. I’m so happy to see the great turnout today. I know this isn’t the way any of you wanted to spend your Monday morning, but we have a