A Dose of Control: Big Pharma Series, #3

By Lotus James

A hidden war for control erupts in Book 3 of the Big Pharma Series

A sinister war for control rages on, threatening to destroy everything in its path. Haley Foster's dream of having a family is jeopardized as she becomes further entangled with big pharma.

In a desperate attempt to save her own life and that of her unborn child, Haley must face off against the powerful and corrupt force that has left a trail of blood and tears in its wake. With her own life and happiness on the line, Haley must rise to the occasion and eliminate the enemy that holds her down, or risk being overtaken and destroyed.

Meanwhile, deep beneath the earth, Dr. Jack Foster is trapped and protected by two governments until his mission is considered complete. Above ground, a deadly virus is spreading, causing panic and chaos around the world. With no other options, Jack must secure his revolutionary drug and get it distributed on an emergency basis to contain the virus.

But when he discovers that Haley and his unborn child are in danger, Jack knows he must escape the mountain and do whatever it takes to protect them.

As the battle between Haley and big pharma intensifies and the fate of the world hangs in the balance, will Jack and Haley be able to prevail against their powerful enemies? Or will they succumb to the corrupt clutches of a deadly industry and lose everything they hold dear? Find out in Book 3 of the Big Pharma Series.
 

Reading this series in order will provide the best experience.

Romance Heat Level is steamy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Life Garden Publishing Inc.
• Release date: May 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223430056

Book preview

1 – The Simulation

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The Past – New York, NY, August, 2019

The black Escalade rolled along slowly, hugging the curb in Manhattan. It came to a stop in front of a towering white landmark skyscraper. Momentarily, the driver stepped out, quickly shutting the door behind him. Smiling courteously, he opened the right rear door for his passenger. Tellinger slid from the leather seat and stood, his head lifted toward the building’s entrance.

Thank you, Tellinger said, curtly. He smoothed his suit coat and placed his cell phone in his jacket’s interior pocket.

My pleasure, sir. Give me a ring when you’re ready to be picked up.

I will do that, Tellinger replied. I’m certain it will be several hours.

J.D. Tellinger was in his late fifties, with a medium build, standing just shy of six feet tall. He had sharp blue eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone he looked at, and a strong jawline that was always clean-shaven. His hair was a salt-and-pepper mix, cropped short and groomed to perfection. He always dressed in expensive suits that highlighted his wealth and power, and he had a habit of wearing a gold Rolex watch that glimmered in the light.

Tellinger was a ruthless CEO who had built Chadwell's pharmaceutical empire from a medium size endeavor to a behemoth that operated worldwide. He had a reputation for being cutthroat in business deals and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He often shrouded himself in secrecy, rarely allowing anyone to get close to him, except for a select group of loyal employees who were part of his inner circle.

He walked toward the gold entrance doors and was greeted inside by a young woman with chestnut hair dressed in a teal suit with white blouse. She gave him a brilliant white smile.

May I have your name, please? she asked.

J.D. Tellinger of Chadwell Pharmaceuticals.

I’m very pleased to meet you, sir. I’m Gwen, one of Bob Goodall’s personal assistants. Welcome to our New York offices and thank you for attending. This is Charles, she said, indicating a young man standing close by. He will escort you to the Goodall Foundation meeting area.

Tellinger tipped his head to her and smiled. Thank you very much.

He followed Charles to the set of four elevators and they entered the first available. Tellinger noticed the young man seemed friendly, but slightly nervous, as the elevator car ascended to the thirty-sixth floor.

Charles held the elevator door as Tellinger departed. He then stepped ahead of him, escorting him toward a large office complex within the building. As they entered through the glass doors of the suite, Charles announced to the receptionist, This is Mr. J.D. Tellinger of Chadwell Pharmaceuticals.

She reached out her hand and greeted him. So happy you could attend today, Mr. Tellinger. Mr. Goodall and the participants are beginning to gather now in the meeting space. Shall I take you there?

Thank you. Yes, of course.

She led them down a hallway to a set of large double doors and opened one of them, motioning for him to enter. He stepped into an oversized conference room with white walls and an incredibly long oval table situated in the center. On one side of the table was a long row of chairs and behind them a large projection screen. At the other side of the table were floor to ceiling windows with a breathtaking view of the city.

Mr. Goodall stood at the head of the table sporting his signature preppy v-neck sweater over a button down shirt. Tellinger did not remember ever seeing him wear a suit. He walked forward and greeted Tellinger with a warm handshake. Welcome, J.D. We’re glad you could join us again. Bill Knight messaged and said he’s running fifteen minutes behind. I suggest we all wait for him since he represents the CDC.

Yes, we definitely need him here. I see several familiar faces, Tellinger stated, nodding and smiling at various participants.

During their wait for the head of the CDC, each was offered beverages. Tellinger chose water. Bill Knight arrived within five minutes and Tellinger noticed Bill would be sitting across from him at the table. They had known each other for many years, both having a long history with pharmaceuticals.

Bob Goodall motioned for everyone to take their seat and then he began the meeting. As you know, we are here today to discuss preparedness for a potential pandemic from a corona virus. We have invited experts from various fields to join us in this final simulation.

First, I would like to thank the members and staff of the World Economic Forum who are co-hosting this event along with the Goodall Foundation which we christened P-19 at our first meeting over a year ago. Since that time, most of you here have attended two more round table meetings and we are now in the final simulation discussion.

Mr. Goodall then asked for each participant to briefly introduce themselves and the entity they represented. Leading doctors, scientists, economists, and public health officials were present from a variety of countries. There were two representatives from the upper echelon of media.

As the introductions were completed and the discussion began, Tellinger felt the gravity of the situation they were exploring. He had been a participant in all the meetings because of his experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He had and would provide his unique perspective on the development of vaccines and medications to prevent or treat a potential corona virus pandemic. Chadwell Pharmaceuticals was an integral part of this.

Mr. Goodall began to explain the purpose of the meeting and to discuss potential strategies and solutions to handle a potential pandemic. The participants discussed the importance of putting forth a narrative in the media that would benefit the overall goals of those gathered here. They also stressed the need to coordinate with global organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of which Bob Knight was there to represent.

One thing to keep in mind, Goodall continued, is that even though you may not know how or when such a corona virus outbreak could occur and turn into a pandemic, you will know how to react to it. Indeed, most will also know how to turn that lemon into lemonade with profits.

Many at the table glanced at one another with this last comment. This was not out of a sense of remorse or guilt in profiting from tragedy. Instead, they were wondering who was in a position to profit the most. Many eyes fell on Tellinger. He remained composed.

Mr. Goodall continued. Of course, strange variables can and will occur with such an event. And that is why we run these simulations. So, let us begin our final simulations of solutions in each sector of society. We will begin with the media coverage first.

As the meeting progressed, Tellinger found himself drawn in by the discussion. He was impressed by the intelligence and knowledge of the participants and their commitment to finding ways to use a potential pandemic to not only profit many corporate organizations, but control the populace.

It was a long day where lunch had been brought into the conference room for everyone. As the meeting concluded, Mr. Goodall thanked everyone for attending and reminded them their work was just beginning. He stressed it would be critical to ready all personnel in every organization that held key positions to prepare for such an unfortunate event.

P-19, Goodall said as he stood from his seat, "is one of the most integral components of what is to come in the future. It’s not a question of if this will happen. It’s when it will happen that everyone needs to ready for. Stay in touch and let’s continue to work together."

As Tellinger left the meeting, he had many ideas floating in his mind and tasks to contend with at Chadwell. He accompanied Bob Knight from the CDC to the elevators.

Where are you staying, Bob?

I’m not. There’s a plane waiting for me at La Guardia. How are you getting back to Atlanta?

I’m flying back tomorrow. Thought I would catch a Broadway show while here tonight. My wife came with me and she has probably spent most of the day at the hotel spa and shopping.

I see.

They rode the elevator down and conversed more once outside the building. Tellinger looked at Bob, anxious for his thoughts about the meeting. What did you think, Bob?

We’re in it now, aren’t we? Makes me want to get back and make sure my ducks are in a row.

I feel the same. There is a sense of urgency nagging at me to skip the Broadway show and fly back immediately. But, I promised her we’d do something fun, so we will.

Enjoy yourself, J.D. If things happen the way we think they will, Broadway and just about everything else will be shut down soon.

Tellinger’s lips pressed together in a thin line. You’re right, Bob. How is it that you’re always right?

Both men chuckled and shook hands goodbye just as Tellinger saw his driver approaching the curb.

2 – Conspiracy Talk

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The Present – Sunday, January 5, 2020

Haley sat in front of her computer, gazing at the blank screen. Hearing her husband’s deep voice with its velvety resonance from the call had both excited her and transfixed her into a dazed state. Time and faith were paying off for her, although both were difficult to tolerate at times. Jack was remembering her now. Something was coming together for him finally in his mind. She held her closed fists against her forehead, elbows on the table. Wishes and dreams were coming true. Why should she ever doubt her future — their life together? The love they had between them transcended all the problems.

Haley wished the conversation could have lasted an hour or more. It was too short. But the most important things had been said. Jack knew who she was and had feelings for her. He now knew they were having a child. This conversation would likely be the only thing she could carry with her for a while. The fact that he was alive combined with his hidden work position … whatever it was … had to stay secret. There was no promise of when they would speak again.

Standing, she touched her lower abdomen. The pregnancy was early, still in the first trimester. She so wanted this pregnancy to work out this time. Feeling positive and confident about it was essential. This, she knew. But staying safe and not taking chances was important too. Jack was the only person who knew right now. She couldn’t wait to share this exciting news with Sonya and the entire Foster family.

Haley put a load of laundry into the washer, poured in the liquid detergent, and pressed the setting buttons to start. She heard a vehicle and glanced out the window of the laundry room at Alex and Jessie’s house. Alex was backing out of their drive, probably on his way to work. They had to know about the pregnancy.

Making her way toward the living area, she turned on the television news. More reports were emerging about the virus. She knew that Jack was somehow connected with this. But how was the question. Had he given the government information on the drug he was working on — one that might help?

A commercial aired and Haley’s thoughts trailed back to the pregnancy. With a baby on the way, she would need to make an appointment tomorrow with her physician. She would make a final decision about whether to return to work. If she did return to her job, it would please her to be around all the newborns at the hospital. But there would be more constant lies to contend with surrounding Jack. Her friendly coworkers would want to know if they considered him dead, had they found him … all that kind of thing.

If she took time away from her position, it might keep the questions and tension down. God knows she had been through tremendous stress for over a month now. Her mental health was important. And then there was the physical attack that happened the first time she was pregnant.

What would Jack want?

He would most likely suggest that she stay close to home for now. But no place was really safe. If the people behind the murders and other nefarious activity wanted to get to her, they would find a way.

Haley thought about how she was just one little person on the planet who had been so grossly affected by huge pharmaceutical companies. Their drug pushing lies had led to her mother’s opiate addiction and subsequent death. Most likely, she lost her first baby from an unknown assailant who worked for Chadwell Pharmaceuticals.

Loose lips sink ships. Keep your mouth shut, bitch, he had said to her. Jack’s team members were gone — dead. And, that was their plan for her husband also. Somehow, the madness needed to stop.

How did they continue to get away with these deeds and have no accountability or justice? It was maddening that nothing ever happened to these people. They seemed untouchable.

Yet, Lucky Adams, Ric Hartford, and others had worked with federal investigators and attorneys to bring down one company over the opiate addiction. Perhaps, talking to Lucky should be her first step in sorting these things out in her mind. She reached for her phone and sent Lucky a message.

I’d love to chat with you in person soon. Let me know when we could meet. Nothing urgent.

Lucky quickly messaged back

So glad you contacted me. I need to speak with you as well. I’m available anytime on Monday.

Great! Coffee Roast at 3:00 pm?

Perfect, see you then.

Sonya emerged from her room, holding her laptop. Haley, listen to this news I dug up on the virus. They’re reporting that people in China who are infected have to wait as long as two days to see a doctor. There is video of some falling down dead in the streets. This seems more serious than I thought when I first heard about it.

Can I see?

Sonya handed her the computer and Haley scanned the article, reading. After a few moments, she handed Sonya’s laptop back to her. It says there are three confirmed cases in the United States. We need to find out what the symptoms are for this disease.

If people are traveling here from China, they could be spreading it, Sonya said, with concern.

You’re right. Has travel been stopped from that country?

I don’t know, but let me pull up another site I saw. This is strange and I have to show it to you. Some researchers are saying this is planned and that would possibly correlate with what Jack was telling us in his letter he left with the items you put in the safe deposit box. Sonya pulled up another site and showed it to Haley.

Haley read the information which touted that 5G towers had recently been activated in the city where the virus made its appearance. The author suggested the technology somehow activated or worked with the virus. Haley wondered how this could be. Reading further, she discovered that this might be possible with the use of Corona satellites. She looked at Sonya perplexed. They’re calling this a corona virus and there are corona satellites in orbit. That’s some kind of strange coincidence.

Read on, Sonya said.

Haley’s eyes narrowed as she read. Hmmm. They’re wondering if this is some kind of experiment gone wrong. In other words, they claim there is something called optogenetic technology where mind control is possible via light waves. When combined with a genetically modified organism receptor cell, which could be introduced into living organisms such as humans and animals, it could be combined or attached on the back of a virus.

Haley looked puzzled. What site is this? This sounds extremely farfetched. I’m not sure I understand how this could be possible. It’s in the realm of biotechnology. The genetically modified cell would have to be introduced into humans somehow. My knowledge of viruses is limited. I would think you could be infected from air, food, surfaces, or water.

Yes, it is highly technical and hard to follow, Sonya replied. But, here’s where it really gets coincidental, Haley. This article says that Bob Goodall, the billionaire, and founder of the Goodall Foundation and other very high profile individuals met about three months ago. During their meeting, which I believe they called a simulation, they predicted sixty-five million deaths from a corona virus. Evidently, they got together and ran a computerized simulation months ago.

Haley scratched her head. Wow, that is a little too coincidental, isn’t it? I’ve never liked that guy. You know, his father was a eugenicist?

No, I didn’t know that. He definitely has too much influence in the world. Did you read the small print on that article below the headline?

No. Haley’s eyes squinted to read the tiny print and she said aloud, Goodall Foundation also funded group that owns the virus patent. Research will be funded for a vaccine to stop virus from spreading.

Does that make sense? They funded the patent of the virus, then they are funding a vaccine to stop it from spreading?

Haley shook her head. It makes perfect sense if you’re Bob Goodall. He’s creating the problem and then the solution to it. He will become even richer from it.

"Goodall’s supposed philanthropic activities are all over this virus, Haley. They also support an organization that is a coalition that prepares for epidemics. Truly, you cannot make this up."

Haley wanted to not think about this any longer. Look, Sonya. You’ve got to trust that we have people in place that know if there is something sinister going on. Think about what Jack might be doing right now. He could be in a position to help. I don’t want to live in fear about this.

I don’t want to either, Haley. But, doesn’t it feel like something big is brewing here?

Yeah, it very well could be. I suppose this solidifies my decision not to return to my job right now.

I know you’ve been back and forth about it.

If this virus comes to our country and infects thousands of people, I don’t want to be working in health care while I’m pregnant. Haley smiled as she said the words, looking at Sonya for her reaction.

Pregnant! Oh, my gosh Haley. That’s wonderful! She quickly laid her computer on the table and rushed over to hug her cousin.

Sonya, I spoke with Jack on a short private call. I couldn’t see him, but he could see me. He said he loved me and is remembering me in bits and pieces. Isn’t that fantastic?

And here I am pushing all this bad news in front of you. I’m so sorry! Wow, this is exciting and a great turn of events.

It’s okay. I don’t want to stick my head in the sand and not know what’s going on. It’s just that I want to keep everything as positive and hopeful as I can. That’s what has gotten me through the past few weeks, even though I’ve slipped at times.

Haley, you have been incredibly brave and filled with hope and faith.

Thanks! I have good people around me to help, she said, winking at Sonya. I want this pregnancy to be something I savor and enjoy as I connect with this child growing inside of me. That’s my main priority now.

Haley gave a solemn expression adding, But Sonya, I have not forgotten my desire to take on Chadwell Pharmaceuticals and see them held accountable for what they’ve done.

I know you feel passionate about it, Haley. With everything that has happened, big pharma has me feeling the same way now.

When I think on this, it seems the drug companies have had their claws in so many different aspects of my life. My mom, the attack, the break-in, and murdering those around us. It has to stop. I’m meeting with Lucky Adams tomorrow at the Coffee Roast to try and talk about plans going forward. Want to come?

Yes, but what time?

Three o’clock.

I can do that, but I also begin my Monday night art class tomorrow in Alpharetta. It’s at seven.

We’ll be back in plenty of time.

Strange what women can plan at a small table in a coffee shop, Sonya said, raising an eyebrow.

Indeed, viable schemes to take on these assholes can hatch anywhere.

3 – Dream of Warning

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Jack sat motionless in his room, hands gripping the armrests of his chair. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There were a million different emotions swirling through him. In his mind, he saw his brother, Jason, interacting with his adorable children, Allison and Eli. He knew Sarah and Jason received such joy from having a family. He wanted that too — now, more than ever.

His thoughts created a sense of urgency in him, something that pushed him to accomplish his work in Brazil and get home. His beautiful wife was pregnant and he was going to be a dad. What is money or possessions if you don’t have people you love to share it with?

Haley’s voice and image were fresh in his mind. This woman, with the dazzling smile and dimples had captured his heart so tightly at one time. How could he totally forget her? Perhaps the psychologist was right. His emotions were so raw from the trauma of the plane crash. He had compartmentalized what had happened to his team and blocked out all thoughts of his wife. To remember, to worry, to know … would hurt too much.

He would continue to work with his doctors to remember his past. While it was easy for him to procrastinate, he vowed to keep repeating the affirmations twice a day. He felt an excitement now he didn’t have before. There was a place that was home — his base of comfort. Even though he couldn’t see it in his mind right now, he felt confident it would come to him soon.

Brazil Underground was well staffed and even on the weekend, work was continuing on the new drug. Jack sat at his desk and pulled up status reports to check current progress. As he read entries of where everything was, he felt pleased. The team had shown nothing but pure enthusiasm and dedication for the drug development. It held hope for many. Tomorrow, he would conduct a short meeting to kick off another week toward their goals. He would verbally reward them on their effort and participation on the project. It was important that morale stayed high. From past experience, Jack knew it could dip at times as problems arose or fatigue set in.

If the emerging virus spread as they expected, this new drug might be something that could be taken at the first sign of illness. Time and the human trials at the military bases in the United States and Brazil would hopefully reveal this to the team with the data collected. While a possible man-made pathogen was the enemy, time was really the largest hurdle they needed to overcome now.

If this drug worked as he suspected it would, the planned treatment Chadwell and other pharmaceutical companies wanted to peddle could be avoided. In Jack’s opinion, their gene altering device was too complicated, unknown, and potentially dangerous. Jack didn’t know everything that was in the medical device that was being proposed. He knew of enough ingredients and how it worked on a cellular level that it seemed very risky. Yet, he also knew how big pharma saw things. They would want to capitalize on fear and use that to drive profits.

If the epidemiologist was correct and this virus had a very low mortality rate, there was no need for something so severe in its composition as the government agencies and pharma companies were proposing. So far, there was no mention of its use. But Jack knew that meant nothing. They had run animal and human trials while he was still at Chadwell and they failed horribly. The evidence of those trials was buried from the public’s eyes. No one would know about it except for the top brass.

In the most recent video conference between the two presidents, Jack had been asked for his recommendations on travel restrictions. He knew the two leaders would not act on his advice alone, but it felt like such a weight to strike an opinion on it. Nevertheless, he had told both of them it may be in the best interest of the populaces of each country to ban travel from the original infected country for a certain length of time until they could determine where this was going.

They also spoke privately about Bob Goodall’s activity prior to the outbreak in China, along with that of several government agencies. Jack was candid with each leader, letting them know this had the fingerprints of something that had been planned. The fact that Goodall held a strategic event with various health care leaders around the world regarding an upcoming pandemic surrounding the corona virus was almost like taunting everyone.

During the conversation, Jack requested a live sample of this particular virus be transported to Brazil Underground so they could do extensive testing. Otherwise, they