Free The Swan Song of Doctor Malloy by Robert Power Page B

locking the case. ‘We’re a newish company. Doreale needed to expand and diversify, so Taneffe was set up to take care of special, shall we say, innovative projects. Our parent company has offices worldwide. Taneffe was set up in Switzerland, six months ago. The UK next. We intend rapid expansion and soon we’ll have branches on most continents. In the meantime, we have our parent company’s resources and outlets at our disposal. So, as I say, we want to provide funds for good works, for the promotion of worthwhile initiatives. Like your own. Like the disposable one-use syringe. But,’ she pauses for emphasis, ‘I should let you know what we expect of you.’
    She holds my glance. In that moment I review my feelings for her. Suspicion, yes. Interest, definitely. Lust, intermittent. She attracts me, this woman with the pot of gold.
    â€˜So tell me. No free lunches?’
    â€˜It is all very simple. As I have told you, we will provide you with the itinerary and all the resources to satisfy your goals. In return you will pick up and deliver certain packages for us that are part of one of our multi-government-backed research and development programs.’
    This snaps me back from my thoughts. The tone of her voice, her look, seems to be asking more than courtesy visits to foreign drug companies and sponsorship banners at symposia.
    â€˜Packages?’
    â€˜Yes, packages. We will provide all the transportation and contacts. You will ensure the packages are safely moved from A to B.’
    Any desire is fast fading. What is to be moved from points A to B? I am totally thrown.
    â€˜Let me get this clear … Who are you? What packages? I’m a respected scientist, not some kind of errand boy.’
    â€˜I can see it’s all a bit confusing for you,’ says Mary, nonchalantly, running her fingers through her hair. She puts a cigarette to her mouth, then obviously thinks better of it. She places it back in the silver cigarette case she carries in her handbag.
    â€˜Tell me what this is all about,’ I demand. ‘I want the details. I insist on knowing.’
    She looks at me as if carefully weighing up the situation, assessing the risks.
    â€˜You ask me for particulars. As a man of intellect, you will know much of life is both simple and complex. It just depends on how you wish to view it at any given time. Let me put it simplistically, in a way that might help you move to the right decision, for us all.’
    She pauses for effect. She looks around. On the screen is a re-enactment of Nebuchadnezzar’s decline into insanity. The actor is on his hands and knees eating grass. Everyone, save us, is transfixed by the drama.
    â€˜Seeds. A super strain of opium seeds we want shipping from South-East Asia to South America. You need know little more than that. It will all fit very simply and conveniently into your schedule. There will be plenty of assistance along the way. The logistics are not totally finalised, but you will be carefully briefed when the time is right.’
    I check my immediate short-term memory to be sure I am hearing what I think I am hearing. My brain reports I am.
    â€˜What on earth makes you think I will get involved in anything like this?’ I say lowering my voice, though shouting seems more appropriate, more natural.
    â€˜Well, first and foremost, as a joint mission so to speak, to promote your syringe.’
    I get to my feet, indignant, outraged. ‘Do not for one moment think I will compromise …’
    â€˜We have your sister, Caitlin,’ she says quietly. ‘Caitlin is in our care and keeping.’
    I am shocked into silence.
    â€˜We are holding her under careful supervision, you might say. As with any multi-national corporation, we have many parties investing in our work. Doreale engages in more than just pharmaceutical research and development. We are involved in some complex and innovative developmental work, which