Ginger Snaps by Ginger Snaps (epub)

Author:Ginger Snaps (epub)
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

“Probably not, but let me add to the hypothesis. What if the science

was available to anyone, and the cure was free or relatively so, without

the need for drug manufacturers, doctors or pharmacies—sort of like

an aspirin or heartburn medicine?”

“The government won’t let that happen. You’re talking about

drying up a huge sector of the economy. Clearly the world would be a

lot better off, but such a discovery would have to be phased in over a

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long period of time in order to maintain stability. otherwise, it could

be an economic catastrophe.” Tag looked troubled. “Jack, you’re

talking about trying to balance the value of life with the likelihood of

economic chaos. The FDA makes these types of decisions every day,

though they would never admit it. economics are a major factor in

their decisions, although they hide behind phrases like ‘Protecting

America’s Health.’”

Walter asked, “Do you think a comprehensive study of Jack’s hypo-

thetical could minimize the uncertainty?”

Tag looked even more uncertain. “Well, to do it right would be very

expensive—I’d have to create new computer models—but yes. The

right study, done by the right people, would help significantly. I’d have

to know how far along the company is in the drug’s development.”

I looked at Walter, unsure of where he was headed. He was way

ahead of me.

“Technically, this is Jack’s decision, but we want to hire you and

your firm to produce such a study on behalf of Bridgeport life and

the Matthews Foundation. For everything you learn to remain within

the privilege, my law firm will actually hire you. It’s imperative for you

to begin this work as soon as possible.” Tag’s eyebrows shot up, and his

mouth dropped open.

“Wow. You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”

“No, I don’t. We don’t have the time,” Walter replied firmly. “If

you’re not interested, I’ll find someone who is.”

They agreed to meet again later that afternoon, and we all left, Tag

still looking shell-shocked.

Walter dropped me off at the office, and I met Maggie walking in

the door. She had lunched with a friend at the Federal Trade Com-

mission, hoping to gain some insight into who might profit from a

potential cure for cancer.

“How’d it go?” I asked.

“Well, we had a very nice lunch—you know, catching up on friends,

trading a little gossip. oddly, it was Ruth who brought up the busi-

ness, not me. She said she’d heard her boss talking about how you’d

gotten involved in a case that looked like a simple drug bust, but was

actually a matter of national security. She told me very politely that we

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w e b b h u b b e l l

should butt out. The White House is handling whatever’s going on,

and everyone else had been told to stay away. Sounded to me like she

knew a lot more than ‘I heard my boss talking . . . ’”

“And . . . ?”

“Well, I managed to change the subject, and she seemed to get

more comfortable. I used one of your old tricks—kept her glass full.

As we were about to leave she said, ‘Maggie, be careful.

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