Final Notice, page 15
“Good morning,” he said.
“How did you sleep? How’s the hand?”
“Very well and OK, although we need to go to the ER again for them to have a look to see if they agree.”
Trudi sat up, “I’ll go make us some coffee. Do you want anything to eat?”
Vince also sat up, swinging his legs out of bed to the floor. “No thanks. Let’s just have a cup and get going. I want to see how Miles is.”
“OK,” said Trudi, putting her robe on. “I’ll put the coffee on and then call the AEC.”
Trudi was just hanging up the phone when Vince walked into the kitchen, literally holding his breath. “They said he had a good night and is doing nicely, although they want to keep him another day.”
“Whew! Can we see him?”
“Yes. We’ll go right after we get your hand looked at.”
***
The ER was much calmer than the night before and the doctor on duty seemed pleased with the night shift’s work, telling Vince to keep taking the pain medication as needed for sleep or pain and the antibiotics as prescribed until the pills were finished. He also advised him to see his doctor in a day or two to discuss physical therapy and monitor his progress. Both Vince and Trudi were relieved, but they were really just focused on seeing Miles.
On the way to the AEC, Vince confessed, “I just can’t get the sound of that dog attacking Miles out of my head. Poor little guy just goes around being nice and friendly with every dog and person he meets. I hope the vet is right when he said that he’s OK, but I wonder if the trauma will affect him? Maybe less friendly and trusting?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me, but he’s gone 10 years without being attacked, so if he has a problem, hopefully it will pass.”
“I certainly won’t take him out late at night anymore. It was so nice out, but I feel really guilty because I did it for me. Because I was sitting for so long.”
“You couldn’t know. It’s not like you took him into the woods where wild animals lurked. And by the way, I think it’s time to discuss a gun.”
Vince looked at her in surprise, wondering about the depth of this change as they pulled into the AEC parking lot.
When they got inside, Miles seemed very happy to see them, but it was apparent that the little “big dog with very short legs” had won over the staff, putting Miles at risk of being spoiled. The staff all beamed at him when they walked by, giving him those little scratches between the ears that he liked. And someone had loosely wrapped some white gauzy material around his neck to cover the bandages, in a way that made it look like a stylish scarf. He was one cool-looking dog, and Vince decided right then that he would get him one of those red western bandanas to cover up the big shaved swath on the lower side of his neck.
Miles was still in a bassinette type gurney, strapped in with an IV tube dripping into a front leg. He had lost a lot of blood and the vets wanted to keep him close by for another day. Vince and Trudi stayed a while, talking to him in soothing tones and scratching his head. Miles appreciated the effort but didn’t understand a word they said.
On their way home, Detective Lucker from the Pasadena Police called to see if he and his partner could stop by. Vince asked if they found the guys and was disappointed when Lucker said no. They agreed to meet at 11:00 AM.
***
After Vince and Trudi’s early start and busy morning, which was not over yet, they both suddenly realized they were famished. Trudi set about whipping up some omelets before the police arrived: egg whites only for Vince, with non-dairy cream cheese and spinach, and the same for herself but with the whole egg. She didn’t need to avoid the cholesterol, but she liked the tofu cream cheese, and it was a way of supporting Vince’s dietary requirement.
Over brunch she reminded Vince to make an appointment with Dr. Parker, to look at his hand and get a physical therapist referral. He said he would, and at almost the same time the doorbell rang.
Detective Lucker and his partner Detective Reed seemed too young to be detectives, but Vince realized, that was just a sign of growing old. He led them into the living room and Trudi asked if they wanted a coffee or water. The savory smell from breakfast lingered throughout the house and the detectives were probably hungrier than thirsty. They declined, perhaps hoping to move the interview along more quickly so they could grab lunch.
They asked about Vince’s hand and Miles’ condition and seemed genuinely pleased to hear that it was going well.
While they had a number of corroborating reports that fit the description of the two men and the dog, they hadn’t located them yet. The police at the scene had collected evidence that suggested recent meth usage, but no usable fingerprints were found. From the other descriptions, the dog was probably a pit bull, a breed that can become very aggressive, especially to other dogs. It’s what they were originally bred for.
Detective Lucker asked, “If we find guys that match this description, could you identify them in a line-up?”
Vince thought for a moment, recalling police movies of line-ups, where the people were all of similar height, coloring and clothing and he realized, “No. I don’t think I could.”
Knowing looks passed between the two detectives and Lucker said, “Without that, we wouldn’t have a case.”
“But if they had a pit bull, too?”
“Circumstantial but weak. Did they say anything?”
Vince thought for a long time and said, “Yes. One of them shouted ‘Rambo, stop.’ ”
“That’s good, if we can find all three of them and ID that Rambo is their dog’s name. Would you recognize the guy’s voice?”
Vince thought and said, “Yes. I think so.” And then he remembered that they swore at Qasim and the hate in their voice was etched in his memory. He filled the detectives in on the words of hate directed at Qasim and they hungrily took notes.
Lucker added, “We’ll be meeting with Qasim this afternoon so hopefully we can get a bit more information. But obviously, we need to catch them before we can do anything.”
“Qasim saved Miles’ life and possibly my hand. He could have driven by and avoided the hassle but he didn’t. I plan to go see him in person and thank him.”
“You’re right. He did the right thing and we will thank him too. But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk with him or see him until after we do. It avoids anyone trying to entertain doubts of collusion if a trial ensues.”
“When are you seeing him?” “At 1:00.”
“No problem.”
Trudi had been sitting there quietly, listening to the conversation and the small chance of ever bringing the guys and dog to justice. “If Vince had been carrying a gun last night, could he have legally used it?”
Vince was more surprised than the detectives, and Lucker answered, “It depends on a number of factors. Can I ask, do you have a gun?”
“Not yet,” Trudi answered.
“If he had a gun and fulfilled his legal requirements, I think – and this is my opinion – he could have legally shot the dog in self-defense.”
Trudi persisted, “What about the guys?”
“Not unless it was self-defense and remember, it would be the word of the two of them against one, unless Qasim was on the scene and testified on Vince’s behalf.”
Trudi wasn’t happy with the answer but said no more and thanked Detective Lucker.
The detectives told Vince they would keep him apprised if they found the men, and for Vince to get in touch if he remembered anything else. He saw them out and returned to see what was up with Trudi.
Vince hadn’t seen the fiercely protective passion building within Trudi after her husband and dog were attacked. For her, the game had changed. It was personal and it was war.
***
CHAPTER 17 – PLANS & A PRESS RELEASE
Quincy, Massachusetts. Maria handed the draft press release to Vijay.
FOR IMMEDIAT E RELEASE
TIMED FOR SUCCESS: Revolutionary VitalTech Watch Launches Second Phase of Testing Your Health
Quincy, Massachusetts. Having completed a very successful initial test of its revolutionary VT2 – the watch that tells time while it watches your vital signs – VitalTech has announced a national roll-out via a comprehensive beta test.
Following exceptionally positive feedback from test participants and doctors, Dr. Vijay Patel, VitalTech’s CEO and Founder, praised the device, his team, and the participants for an extremely smooth trial run. “I want to thank everyone involved for their cooperation and diligence in making this an unusually efficient process.”
The VT2 stands out from any other wearable sport/health device on the market due to its very advanced and sophisticated diagnostic capabilities. Dr. Malcomb Caldwell of Harvard Medical School holds the device’s abilities in very high esteem. “To call it a sport watch or health watch or any kind of watch is a major understatement,” he said. “It is an extremely advanced diagnostic tool that makes many current laboratory tests unnecessary.”
Dr. Patel elaborated on this praise. “As a physician, mathematician, scientist and health enthusiast, I have been driven to discover more sophisticated and helpful data to guide our habits, as well as interface between patients and physicians. The VT2 represents hundreds of man-years of research and has achieved my initial goals in that respect.
“It is important to note that this device transcends anything on the market, and in fact, it possesses capabilities that are not even available in some laboratories. As such, the information it generates must be used responsibly and in conjunction with a physician.
“All VT2’s in our beta test will be issued through licensed physicians who will assist us in screening out users for whom the device may prove inappropriate or dangerous. While our unique, optional ‘notice of impending death’ feature – or Final Notice – has already helped many users to settle their affairs and achieve emotional closure with loved ones during our initial test, it is not without risk. A small number of patients have reacted to the optional ‘notice of impending death feature’ by carrying out crimes against others.”
For more information about the VT2 and beta test enrollment, visit our website at www.vitaltech.com or contact us directly at (617) 471-4344.
CONTACT:
Contact Person: Maria Moon Company Name: VitalTech LLC
Voice Phone Number: (617) 471-4344 Email Address: mmoon@ vitaltech.com Website URL: www.vitaltech.com
***
“Nice job, Maria. That addresses the issue and you’ve nuanced it nicely. I expect that when some reporters start digging, especially with the Manatta-Dumble story, the headline will be quite different. Like ‘KILLER WATCH LAUNCH.’ ” Neither Maria nor Vijay could keep from smiling.
“Do you know how we’re doing with the distribution of the first batch?” Vijay asked.
“Are you kidding? Drew and Wade had them out the door the day after we agreed to the plan! We used an expanded list and we already have over a hundred new users lined up.”
“Great!” Vijay continued, “I’ve asked Zoe Brouet, the FBI agent, to come out on Tuesday I’d like you here and I’ll get Liz and Drew as well. I have a feeling that this meeting will be different than the last one.”
Maria, holding the release, “OK. So, is this good to go?”
“Yes. Get it out asap. And thanks, Maria.”
***
Boston, Massachusetts. It was early evening and Matt Harper was sitting at his desk at The Boston Globe reading the VitalTech press release. He read a dozen of these a day but because it was local and the headline grabbed him, he devoured every word. He was a techie and a health enthusiast, so the article pulled him in, but when he got to the part about a number of patients reacting to the impending death notice by committing crimes, he was almost foaming at the mouth. He picked up the phone and called Maria Moon’s number, listed on the release, and got her voicemail. Matt was a successful reporter in part because he was resourceful. He left a brief message and then called VitalTech’s main number. It was answered by an automated switchboard, telling him to enter the four-digit extension or first three letters of the last name of the person he was trying to reach. Matt entered the three letters of the person he really wanted to speak with.
Unprotected by Maureen, who had gone home for the day, Vijay picked up his phone. Matt introduced himself, adding that he was with The Boston Globe, a name that carried some weight, especially in the Boston area and especially to a start- up company wanting to get noticed. Matt explained that he was calling about the press release and flattered Vijay on the successful field trials and plans for the beta test roll-out. Then he got down to the real reason for his call. The crimes.
“I was intrigued by your comment about crimes being committed by a segment of the test users. Can you tell me more about that?”
Vijay immediately sensed that he was on thin ice and he didn’t know exactly how to handle that question. Any answer would lead to more questions and if the Globe ran something, would that be good or bad? So he punted.
“Have you spoken with Maria Moon yet?”
Matt was honest, “I tried, but just got her voicemail. Look, Dr. Patel, I’d like to help you generate excitement and a market for the VT2, but I need more information. I’d be happy to meet with Ms. Moon and you to discuss it further.”
Sensing an out, or at least having the comfort of Maria being with him, he said, “OK. I’m not sure of Maria’s schedule next week, but we can call you back on Monday morning to set a meeting. What’s your number?”
Matt gave him his number and pushed, “Can you tell me what kind of crimes have been committed?”
“No. I’m sorry. You’ll have to wait until next week.”
“OK, Thanks. I look forward to your call.”
Vijay dialed Maria’s cell, “Sorry to call so late but I just got a call from The Boston Globe. Matt Harper? He was digging into the crime aspect. I told him we’d call back on Monday to arrange a meeting. I thought it would be good to get The Globe on our side.”
Maria agreed and asked if Vijay thought that Matt was satisfied with that. Vijay thought so and they decided to leave it until Monday.
***
Matt Harper sat there thinking. He didn’t want to wait until Monday. He began typing into Google, Nexis-Lexis, and a number of other search engines, looking for a link between VitalTech and crime. Nothing. “If it’s in the FBI domain, I may not see anything,” he thought. He started searching for investigations by the FBI, and there were a lot of them. But then twenty-something pages down the list he saw, “FBI Investigates Cashier Murder in Joplin, MO.” There wasn’t much, just that the killer, Quentin Moore, entered a convenience store and shot and killed the cashier on duty. Why would the FBI investigate that? He looked up Quentin Moore in the on-line phone directory. It was an hour earlier in Missouri, and not too late, so he dialed.
Sharon Moore answered and Matt, on a hunch, told her that he was following up some stories about how technology sometimes conspired with human nature to lead people to do things out of their normal character. He verified that she was the widow of Quentin and asked if Quentin was one of the VitalTech test users. She wasn’t sure but told him that the FBI took Quentin’s sport watch and iPhone away for analysis. VitalTech didn’t sound familiar to her but the watch was a VT2 brand. She remembered the name. Matt pumped her for additional information, and she was very open and forthcoming, telling him everything she had told Zoe Brouet. He thanked her and then tried to put the pieces together.
This was just one example, but what if, after receiving their Final Notice, people who wanted revenge got it ... with impunity, knowing that their days were seriously numbered? How many were there? One or two wasn’t much of a story, but at least he had a hold card for his meeting at VitalTech next week.
***
Pasadena, California. Trudi and Vince brought Miles home, making everybody very happy, although the staff at the AEC would miss him. Miles’ bandages would need to remain for some time. However, an even greater discomfort for Miles, not to mention embarrassment, was the big plastic cone he needed to wear, preventing him from using his paws to remove the bandages.
Vince’s bandaged hand made life awkward for him, too, especially with his laptop, but the pain was manageable; and so, with not much to do, he dozed off frequently. Trudi wasted no time taking over some of the surfing duties on her iPad, which she loved. She walked into the kitchen with it and said excitedly, “There’s a gun show at Ontario this weekend. Are you up for it?”
