“Before we do,” Taylor said, “I have to confirm something with you, Ed. A while back, Hyland Laboratories was trying to negotiate a deal with Horizon. As I understand it, Dr. Crawford vetoed this joint venture. Is that correct?”
Mason blinked with surprise. “I don’t know who your sources are, but I applaud them. Only Michael Adelman, CEO of Hyland, Dr. Crawford, and I were involved in these talks. No one else at Horizon or Hyland was privy to this information.”
“In the new millennium,” Taylor said, his tone somewhat arrogant, “no communication is so private that it can’t be compromised.”
For several minutes, a lull fell over the room.
“So tell me gentlemen,” Mason said. “If we agree that a joint venture makes sense for both of us, what can you contribute to Horizon?”
“Prior to this meeting,” Taylor said, “my colleagues and I spent a great deal of time determining what our role might be and what kind of deal we feel would be equitable for both Horizon and us. No matter how promising, at this juncture no one knows for sure if Dr. Crawford’s theories will prove true. There is a great deal of risk for us. That said, we’re still prepared to invest a considerable amount of money to fund this project.”
“And what do you deem a considerable amount of money?” Mason asked.
“Our three companies combined are willing to invest twenty-million dollars in this project. We also want to move the facility to a different location with state of the art equipment. We all feel strongly that we should hire at least another twenty five people. We want to accelerate the research, get the approval of the FDA, and begin marketing and distribution in less than two years. In return for our financial and professional support, we want fifty-one percent control of Horizon.”
“Your proposal far exceeds my expectations,” Mason admitted. “But I just don’t know if I can give anyone controlling interest in this project. In all fairness, as generous as it sounds, I have to speak to Michael Adelman from Hyland before I make a decision.”
“We understand, Ed. You have to make the best choice for Horizon. But maybe we can sweeten the deal and move forward. Would you mind giving me a few minutes to speak with my colleagues?”
“Not at all.”
Taylor pointed to the door. “You can make yourself comfortable in the living room while we talk. It won’t take very long.”
Mason left the den and waited patiently in the living room. After what seemed like only five minutes, Taylor opened the door and invited him back in.
“If we can come to terms,” Taylor said, “our attorneys can draft the contracts in a few days. In the meantime, as a good faith gesture, my colleagues and I are willing to wire one-million dollars into any account you designate.” Taylor wagged his index finger at Mason. “Let me be clear. This is in no way a bribe or meant to be anything underhanded. Even if you decide not to partner with us, you still keep the money.” Taylor winked. “Consider it an incentive.”
Mason’s mouth hung open. “I don’t know what to say, David. Your willingness to—”
“Just say that we have a deal so we can wrap this up and kick things into high gear.”
“As tempting as your generous offer is, in clear conscience, I can’t accept any money directly. Ethically, it would really bother me.”
“I understand,” Taylor said. “In fact, I really admire your integrity. Not too many people on this planet would turn down a million dollars—no strings attached.”
Mason stood and extended his hand toward Taylor. “Right after I meet with Michael Adelman, I’ll make a decision.”
Taylor offered his hand. “I look forward to working with you, Ed.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
By the time Dupree arrived at the precinct, her aching temples had settled down. She found T.J. sitting at his desk, with his face buried in paperwork. Nonchalantly, she opened her desk drawer and slid the envelope inside. She intended to drop it off at the lab as soon as she spoke to T.J. about it.
“Good morning,” Dupree said.
T.J. looked up at her. “How was your latté?”
“Place was too busy. Besides, I didn’t want the lovebirds to see me.”
“See anything else interesting?”
“Only that Lentz may not be as poor as he claimed to be.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Our boy was driving a sparkling new Audi A8.”
“That car sells for over 50k,” T.J. said
“Actually,” Dupree said, “I checked the Internet and it retails for over sixty.”
“Think he stumbled upon a windfall?”
“Maybe he had a big payday. I got his license plate number so I’ll ask Brenda to run it for us.”
“If Lentz or Hansen owns the Audi, we’ll have good reason to request a subpoena to access their bank accounts,” T.J. said.
“My thought exactly.” Dupree rested her butt against T.J.’s desk. “And it wouldn’t be a bad idea to subpoena their cell phone records.”
“Do we have enough justification to get both?” T.J. asked.
“I think I can convince Judge Marshall. He’s been very cooperative in the past.”
“What’s that all about?” T.J. asked. “Got nude pictures of him and a teenage boy?”
“Let’s just say that I helped his daughter out of a very sticky situation a few years back, so he feels somewhat indebted to me. As long as I don’t abuse our relationship, or ask him to really push the legal envelope, I pretty much can rely on him to help me out.”
“Nice to have a connection on the bench.”
“It doesn’t suck.”
T.J. stood. “Ready to rough up Tesler?”
“Before we do, can we chat in private?”
“Of course.”
They entered a vacant interview room and sat opposite each other. T.J. drummed his fingers on the table. “What’s up?”
She gave him all the details of the letter she’d received.
“Cat stew?” T.J. said. “How disgusting. Have you spoken to anyone from Express Delivery?”
“I will as soon as the lab checks it out for prints or whatever else they can find.” She looked past T.J., her mind racing with so many possibilities—none of which were particularly appealing. “Any thoughts?”
“It seems more than likely that someone involved in the Crawford murder sent it to keep you off balance.” More finger drumming. “But there are other possibilities. Over the last ten years you’ve put a lot of criminals behind bars, and not all of them served long terms in prison. Maybe someone who just got out or a friend of someone still locked up wants to mess with your head.”
“I know it wouldn’t be difficult to find out my mother’s first name, but how many people other than personal friends know I have two cats?”
That seemed to stump T.J. “Hm. Never thought of that.”
“Well,” Dupree said, “at this point all we can do is speculate. Why don’t you grab Tesler while I bring the envelope to the lab and I’ll meet you back here in a few?”
Dupree was already waiting in the interview room, seated at the table, when T.J. walked in with Tesler. Dupree gave Tesler a onceover and noticed that he looked like a homeless man who hasn’t had a decent meal or shower in weeks.
Amazing what a few days in the slammer can do.
Rather forcefully, T.J. sat Tesler down opposite Dupree and took a seat beside her. Dupree made sure that the microphones were positioned properly.
“So, Mr. Tesler,” Dupree said, “how do you feel about your new accommodations? Think you’d be content in a twelve by twelve cage for the next twenty or twenty-five years, eating cafeteria food, and showering with a bunch of horny convicts?”
“I ain’t done nothing wrong, and you can’t prove shit. So either let me go, or charge me with something. I got nothing more to say to you two assholes. If you don’t let me go, I want to see a lawyer.”