[LJ Idol 8x19] et tu, Brute?
Dr. Carvel came to a sudden stop just outside the elevator doors, a little startled jump nearly spilling the papers he reviewed. Brent Maronne stood in his way, backed by a beefy pair of his bodyguards. In the narrow entryway they effectively blocked all passage, and his trademark greasy smirk gave hint that was going exactly as planned.
"Morning James. Thought we'd have a little chat, if you don't mind a moment's interruption."
James took a quick glance at his reflection in the bodyguard's tinted glasses, the set serious look on their faces, and gave a slow, deliberate shake of his head.
"Gooood, I thought that'd be the case. We'll be quick I promise. With research and development of Fixatin coming to an end, your service is no longer of any use. We'll have your things mailed to you."
Dr. Carvel stared blankly for a second, then his brow furrowed and anger filled his face as understanding came to him.
"You can't just cut me out of this Brent, we're equal partners in this company! And I've done all the research, including the formula discoveries that made this viable at all! You can threaten me with your apes all you want, it won't get rid of me."
Brent covered his mouth with his hands in a mockery of shock, then gave a snort of derision. "Oh no, I hadn't thought of that! With you owning a third, me owning a third, and the investors owning a third how could we pos... oh wait, I own the investors. You should pull your head out of the lab on occasion and see what's going on in the business side of things sometimes instead of trusting me. So yes, I can cut you out. For point two..."
Bodyguard-on-the-right reached around Mr. Maronne and handed James a folder full of papers. He didn't look at them, just let his arm fall to the side. James continued to stare at his former partner, a blotchy red flush coloring his cheeks.
"That would be a statement you'll be signing now, acknowledging that all proper advancement came from the protein folding software I developed. It does give you minor credit for your lucky picks in the initial proteins that led to Fixatin, but eventually we'd have found them anyway. It also says that you agree to transfer your shares to me in exchange for a pittance of the profits, but it should be enough for you to live on. Not signing the papers won't guarantee you'll live at all, world full of accidents waiting to happen and all."
Bodyguard-on-the-left stretched his neck with a crack, then handed a pen to Dr Carvel. James opened the folder, stared at the papers for a bit, then finally signed them with a shaky, jerky motion. Bodyguard-on-the-right reached out and took the papers back.
"Now for your final point, I think the apes would love to escort you to the door. Unless of course you can manage two steps back for me without assistance."
James took a single step back then stopped. "I never fully trusted you, you bastard. But I guess I never thought you'd go this far. Kai sy teknon ta kete te dname, Brent."
Brent gave a quick laugh. "What the fuck does that mean?"
"All that was mine is now yours, good luck." James took another step back into the elevator, and the doors closed.
"Fucking egghead. Throw half his shit out and mail the other half back to him."
~~~~~
Brent Maronne smiled and turned side to side, making sure each photographer could capture him from the best angle. He waved to them and took a step up to the podium, the noise in the room quieting down to await his statement.
"Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us tonight for this press release. As you all know, I've made great strides these past couple months with the development of our flagship product, Fixatin. The world's first universal anti-viral injection, it raises hopes for an illness free world for all! And now, I am pleased to announce that as of this afternoon, we are FDA approved to move forward with human trials!"
The room lit with flashes from cameras and raucous noise as people stood to cheer and applaud. A side door opened, and a group of gentlemen in suits entered with smiles and claps, standing along the wall. The noise eventually calmed, followed by the ring of several cell phones in the front row. While the reporters talked with their offices, Brent looked around the room with a huge smile. "I'll open the floor to any questions now."
A woman in the front row, head still tilted to hold her phone to her shoulder, thrust her arm up and waved it vigorously. "Mr Maronne! Would you care to comment on the reports that human testing has already occurred on patients exposed to deadly diseases in your labs?!"
The camera flashes resumes as Brent's mouth dropped open, the color drained from his face. "Excuse me? Where the hell did that come from?!"
"It just hit the wire, an anonymous tip led the FBI to a lab of human guinea pigs at your Los Angeles facility. The victims mentioned you by name, and as the lead researcher you can't comment on it?"
The suited gentlemen along the wall stepped forward to surround Mr. Maronne. One leaned to the mic, and with a "No further questions" they led them away. Along the back row, James smiled and leaned back in his chair. "You too, my son, shall feel the stab of power."