Final Notice, page 18
***
Pasadena, California. Vince and Trudi took Miles to see their vet, Dr. Lisa Putnam. She was horrified to hear about the attack but thankful and relieved that both Miles and Vince were on the mend. Miles liked Dr. Putnam despite the indignities she had carried out on him over the years. That was a long time ago, but the little peanut butter dog biscuits were fresher in his memory and absolutely current in his nostrils. She removed his cone, giving him false hope and a piece of peanut butter biscuit, perhaps as an apology, as she carefully unwrapped his bandages. The wound looked OK, but Dr. Putnam stressed the importance of keeping the cone on so that Miles couldn’t hurt himself. She prescribed a course of Clavamox for five days, twice a day, and then she would see Miles again. She showed them how to change his bandages, and look for excessive amounts of blood or fluid, in which case they should bring him back immediately. And then, sadly for Miles, the cone was replaced.
When they returned home, there was a message from Dr. Parker’s office. Vince needed to go to the Pacific Diagnostic lab on 2135 Colorado Blvd to have another blood test done. The samples taken at the hospital appeared to have been lost. He made a mental note to go in tomorrow.
***
Quincy, Massachusetts. Matt arrived 20 minutes early for his one o’clock meeting but it was clear that the meeting would start at 1:00, so he spent the time thinking about his meeting strategy. He knew that the Final Notice triggered aggressive action in some people, and he knew of one such case – Quentin Moore. The press release indicated more than one, but how many? And what were the details? That would be the interesting part, especially since the FBI was involved. So much sexier than the police.
At 1:00 PM sharp, Maureen answered her phone, said “OK,” and came over to get him. She led him up the industrial stairs and then into Vijay’s office before disappearing.
Vijay greeted him warmly and introduced Maria Moon. “How can we help you, Matt?”
Matt explained that he had read their press release with great interest, generated by both the technical nature of the watch as well as the comment about crimes being committed after receiving the Notice. He started off with the technology. “How long has the VT2 program been in development, and do you mind if I take notes?”
“No problem with the notes. Almost three years now. A combination of my medical, mathematical and athletic interests, it’s actually been ready for a long time, but we’ve been testing it extensively and it keeps passing the tests.” Vijay proudly replied.
Matt finished a brief note. “How does it work in practice with its smartphone interface?”
Vijay began explaining on a high level, but Matt wanted additional information and his questions displayed a surprising knowledge of technology and medicine, prompting Vijay to ask, “You seem to have a much better than average grasp of medicine. How did that come about?”
Matt replied, somewhat sheepishly, “I started out in pre-med, wanting to be a doctor, but as the costs mounted up, I opted for journalism, with all its many facets – good and bad.”
Vijay understood, “I know what you mean. That’s probably what inspired me to invent something. After more than ten years of college, I felt that I was challenging the national debt for largest deficit honors.”
Matt chuckled but pressed on to get to what he really wanted to talk about, “Tell me about the Final Notice with respect to the timing. When is a Notice received?”
Vijay’s warning antennae buzzed a bit and he glanced at Maria as he replied, “The Notice has been found to be extremely accurate up to 30 days. Our beta test will have a user choice of 10, 20 or 30 days. Interestingly, while we have found a few instances of death occurring before the Notice period, it has never been later.”
Matt took another step. “I guess unnatural deaths would be included in that group.”
“Yes, and undue stress or depression can cause a heart attack or stroke at any time.”
“What can you tell me about the crimes mentioned in the press release?”
Maria answered, “In a few cases, users who had access to guns, and who received their Notice, have reacted aggressively and killed people.”
“How many times has that happened?”
Maria stuck with their game plan. “There have been three that clearly seem to be a combination of the Notice and anger.”
Matt sensed some waffling, “And are there others that are less clear?”
“One other. It was an unwitnessed shooting in Texas where the shooter, through a combination of an angry confrontation, alcohol and guns, committed a crime at the same time as receiving his Notice. Also bear in mind that there were 100 users in the alpha test.”
“Do you know how many had access to guns?”
“Yes. About 60.”
“Are these killings concerning you as you move forward with your testing and ultimate launch?”
Vijay took the lead again. “Absolutely. We even considered removing the Notice, but all of our focus groups rated it as their favorite feature. During our alpha test, the devices were issued by physicians who were instructed to screen out those people who are clinically depressed or, in their view, may not handle the Notice well. Our beta test will put added emphasis on these restrictions and include even more clinician instruction.”
Matt went for his prize, “Have the killings attracted law enforcement attention?”
Vijay and Maria looked at each other, and as agreed, Vijay replied honestly, “In most cases we have been contacted by investigating police asking about the watch or the app.” He hesitated a second and added, “And we have been working with the FBI to help them develop a plan to deal with these events. They recognize that what someone decides to do when they know they are dying is up to that individual, whether they get their “Notice” from their doctor or their watch.”
Matt understood but asked, “Is it normal for the FBI to become involved in something like this?”
Maria and Vijay looked at each other and realized that they hadn’t discussed this question and although Zoe had told them, they didn’t think it was their call to reveal it. Maria responded, “Good question. I don’t know. Maybe because it involved multiple jurisdictions?”
Matt accepted this but asked, “Who from the FBI have you been talking with?”
Maria spoke again. “I think we’ll need to have them call you. I don’t want to step out of bounds on this. That OK?”
Matt expected this and said “Sure. I’m guessing that you won’t want to or be able to give me details on the users committing crimes.”
Maria confirms, “No. That would really be out of bounds, but perhaps the FBI will.”
Vijay’s phone buzzed and after answering, he stood up saying, “Matt, I’m sorry, my two o’clock is here. We squeezed you in but time’s up.”
“No problem. I appreciate your time and help. I may have some follow-up on questions. Maria, OK if I call you?”
“Sure, you have my number. Also, my job is to stay ahead of anything in the media about us, so if you write anything, I’d appreciate a heads up. I’m happy to fact check anything you write, so you’re not spewing fake news, too,” she said with a smile.
Matt laughed and said, “It’s a deal. Thank you both very much for your help.”
Maria and Vijay looked at each other, pleased with themselves. They had stuck with their plan. Now they waited to see what the FBI had in store for them.
As Matt descended the stairs, he couldn’t help but notice the attractive young woman, sensibly dressed, with sensible shoes, waiting in the lobby. He pretended to get his papers in order and button his coat deliberately as Maureen went over to the young woman and said, “Agent Brouet, Vijay can see you now.”
“Agent Brouet,” Matt forced himself to remember until he got to his car and wrote it down.
***
Zoe liked Vijay, felt that he was being honest with her and wanted to do the right thing. She hoped that he would understand the issue of a warrant, and after the “hello’s” and “how are you’s,” she got right to the point. “After the Manatta- Dumble incident, my boss had a warrant issued to ensure we get the required data for the beta test users. I told him that you would volunteer the information unless there was a legal issue and that you had provided it for the alpha test users, but he didn’t want to take any chances. I hope it hasn’t or won’t create problems for you when news of the warrant gets into the public domain. It takes a couple of days.”
Vijay understood and explained their actions and gave her an update. “After the high-profile murder-suicide, we decided to be proactive and issued this press release.” Zoe quickly read the release. “Matt Harper, the reporter from The Boston Globe, picked up on the crimes comment and, being local, he pursued it. He asked for details of the crimes and we declined as we did when he asked who at the FBI was handling this. Here’s his card. We said we’d pass it on.”
“When does enrollment for the beta test begin?” Zoe asked as she took out her notepad.
“It already has. We’ve sent out information packs to an expanded group of physicians. There are an initial 100 participants waiting to be confirmed this week, another 100 two weeks later, and then 100 each week until we reach 500. If all looks good, we’ll issue another 500.”
Zoe had been writing this down and then she looked up and said, “I’m trying to figure out how I’ll be able to keep ahead of this.”
Vijay interjected, “Only 50% will have gun access.”
Zoe smiled. “That makes it only a little easier but still … when will we get advised of the Final Notice?”
“We can program it so you receive it in real time. Also, the users can now opt for a 10, 20 or 30-day notice. That might help you prioritize urgency.”
Zoe thought, “Yes, it should.” Then aloud she asked, “What about doctors? By law they are required to inform law enforcement of any threats or conditions that might make a crime likely. What is the procedure now?”
“Doctors get copied on Final Notices in real time, just as you will. You will have the doctor’s contact details and could send them a note to advise you asap if they perceive any behavior that might be dangerous. In fact, we can communicate with them again, as they issue the VT2s. What details would you like on the contact request?”
“I’ll set up a new hotline email that will ring sirens when a message is received. You’ll have it by the end of the day.”
Maria asked, “Just so we’re in the loop, will you be contacting Matt Harper? I’m certain he’ll call me if he doesn’t hear from you. And were we right about not releasing details of the shootings?”
“Yes, on both counts. I might direct him to local law enforcement locations about the shootings, as long as they are no longer under investigation. If he can pry the info out of them, it’s fine with me.” She thought for a few seconds and added, “We’re really sailing into uncharted waters as you add significant numbers to your user base. I’m not sure what else we can do. Any ideas?”
“Not off the top of my head,” replied Vijay. “Unfortunately, the VT2 can’t analyze mental states. At least not yet. And so far, for what it’s worth, there haven’t been any shootings by women.”
“How many women with access to guns did you have in the alpha group?”
Vijay looked at a paper on his desk and replied, “Ten. Not a big sample.”
Zoe asked, “Are you going to supply us with the same information when you do the full post-beta test rollout?”
Vijay had been avoiding this moment. “I don’t think we can, even if we wanted to; and selling a product that comes with a warning that ‘this information will be shared with the FBI’ will not exactly boost our sales. You can’t get this information now from people buying guns. Even having a doctor wired in will be optional, although it will be highly recommended. And depending on who’s in charge politically, people may or may not have a doctor to involve.”
“I understand, but what if we get a warrant?”
“We’d have to fight it.”
“And I understand that, too. I’m not sure how we could justify it, given that we don’t even know who buys a gun – even the information you give us regarding gun access will be incomplete because some states don’t allow doctors to ask their patients. OK, let’s leave it for the time being. You’ve been very helpful and cooperative, and I really appreciate that. I’ll send you a hotline e-mail address shortly and I look forward to receiving the beta test enrollee information soon. Anything else I should know?”
“Maria?” Vijay asks.
“I think that covers it. You’ll deal with Matt Harper?”
“Yes.”
“What if we get additional inquiries?”
“Hmm. Hopefully there won’t be many but go ahead and give them my office number. I’ll brief someone with the information I’m comfortable releasing.”
“OK. Thanks for your understanding, Zoe. We’ll be in touch if anything new develops.”
“Thanks, Vijay.”
***
There were nine messages on Maria’s desk when she returned to her office: seven from newspapers and two from TV news networks. Things were about to heat up. She wasn’t sure if this was the tip of the iceberg but decided to prepare an FAQ briefing sheet that covered the same points discussed in their meeting with Matt. Vijay agreed.
***
Maria’s phone continued to ring and, as a courtesy – as well as to dig a bit – she called Matt Harper. Matt was pleased to get the call and Maria explained that the release was getting a lot of attention and she wanted to give Matt a heads up in case he was sitting on the story for some reason.
Matt told her that Special Agent Brouet had called him, and that she shared with him some high-level details of two cases that were closed: Quentin Moore and John Mason. She had explained that the other two were still being investigated.
Matt asked, “By the ‘other two,’ I’m presuming she meant the third one which may or not have been triggered by the Final Notice. What was the fourth one?”
Maria realized that Matt was digging again, and she needed to steer him back to her agenda, “Come on, Matt, you have all of the information that is in the public domain at this point. In your opinion, does that constitute a story that someone would run with?”
Matt sensed the pushback but was interested in what Maria was saying. “What are you getting at?”
“My concern and fear is that we will soon see a number of stories with guesses and stretches of imagination that could be harmful to our beta launch.”
“You may be right. Tell you what, if you promise to keep me updated, whenever information becomes newly available, like the fourth incident, maybe a half step ahead of the pack, I will release a story that might help other publications print responsible stories.”
“That’s a deal. Will you run your piece by me first?”
“Sure. I’m sending it to you now.”
Maria exclaimed, “So you were already going public? And you tricked me into promising to give you a jump on your competition!” But she was smiling at his mild treachery.
Matt laughed and said, “Well, I was about to press ‘Send’ to give you a heads up when you rang. I’m on your side. Friends?”
“Yes. Let me read your article and I’ll get back with you. And thanks.”
Maria opened the file that Matt had sent.
Smartest Watch on the Market Measures Health & Answers a Big Question
Quincy, MA. VitalTech LLC is releasing its revolutionary new health monitor, disguised as a watch, in a limited nationwide beta test. And if you want to try out the VT2, you’d better get an appointment with your doctor asap to grab one of these amazing devices.
The VT2 is like having an ongoing blood test, without the needles and lab visits, and the level of sophistication of the automatic analysis is unprecedented. The VT2 is so sensitive and analytically accurate that it can detect an irreversible decline in your health and predict your death, answering the age old question, “If you knew, for sure, that you were going to die in 10, 20 or 30 days, what would you do?”
Of course, the answer to that will vary tremendously from person to person; but for some, as VitalTech has found out, it means getting revenge with impunity; and for those with guns, it might include killing.
VT2s will be available beginning April 10th from a licensed physician. The beta test price is $150 and includes the watch and the associated app. Beta test users will get to keep their watches, which will be upgraded with additional software if the tests reveal any required patches. The final version is expected to sell for $200-$250.
