Royal Pains
Painful Choices
By: Lorrie Ellis
Disclaimer: I do not own, or claim to own, the rights to any of the TV Show Royal Pains, or any of its characters. This story is written for entertainment only.
Chapter 2
Definite Problems
Hank stopped at the security gate and gave his and Evan's information. The guard checked their ID's and as he was handing them back, spoke. "A Miss Katdare is waiting for you in the lobby."
"Thanks." Hank replied as he stuffed his driver's license back into his wallet and handed Evan his.
"So, Divs is on time." Evan laughed.
"Unlike some people, Divya is always on time." Hank replied.
Evan donned his 'pouty' face. "I'm hurt." He replied.
Hank smiled and soon a mirroring smile crept to Evan's face.
"OK, let's get this done." Evan stated as he grabbed his briefcase and he and Hank crossed the parking lot and entered the ominous ChemLab, Inc.
Divya was waiting near the entrance. "Good morning, Hank . . . Evan."
At the sight of Divya, Evan's smiled consumed his face. "Hi Divs." He said softly as his eyes drank in her beauty. He couldn't help but notice how closely the matched in dress; she was wearing a white linen pant suit with a ruffled front, white sleeveless blouse. She started to speak, but Hank beat her to it.
"Did I miss a memo? Does HankMed have a uniform that I should know about?" Hank laughed.
"Funny." Divya scoffed.
Hank smiled. "You both look great and I'm sure you will 'wow' the proper people."
"Thanks." Evan and Divya replied in unison.
The trio approached the Receptionist's desk. "Yes, may I help you?" A petite blonde asked.
Evan stepped up. "Yes, I'm Evan R. Lawson, CFO of HankMed, Inc." He gestured towards Hank and Divya, "my brother Dr. Henry Lawson, and his P.A., Divya Katdare." Evan paused. "We have an appointment with Dr. Robert Wyman."
The Receptionist smiled. "One moment please, I'll let Dr. Wyman know you're here."
Moment later, a middle-aged gentleman approached them. "I'm Dr. Robert Wyman, you must be the Lawson brothers." He extended his hand to first, Evan, then Hank. His attention then turned to Divya, "and who might you be?" He took her hand gently.
Divya smiled, returning his gentle handshake with a firmer one. "I'm Divya Katdare, Physician's Assistant."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. If you'll follow me, we can meet in my office and then I'll show you around the facility."
Once inside Dr. Wyman's office, Evan, Hank and Divya sat down. "I'm sure Ms. Casey filled you in on our objective, but there are some finer points I would like to discuss."
Evan piped up at once as he pulled his briefcase to the table. "Yes sir, we have a few questions for you as well."
Dr. Wyman smiled. "First, let me assure you that all of the drugs that we would even think of supplying HankMed, Inc. have already been approved by the FDC. We need a start-up market, not really a test market, but a place to get the drug out and begin to monitor it's results in larger situations than test market studies."
Divya pursed her lips before speaking, "but each of the drugs are FDC approved, none of our patients would be subjected to any product that hasn't already been proven effective, correct?" She glanced at both Hank and Evan, hoping that she hadn't spoken out of turn.
"That is correct, Ms. Katdare." The doctor answered.
"Where were the test markets conducted?" Evan asked.
"Abroad." Dr. Wyman replied.
A puzzled look crossed Hank's face. "If the test markets were conducted abroad, how have the drugs received FDC approval?"
"Well, I don't usually worry about the 'how', as long as the end result is achieved. You're a doctor; you understand how frustrating it can be to try to treat a patient sometimes, especially with substandard drugs. My company has created many new, alternative drugs that could greatly benefit mankind and my goal is to get those drugs out on the market as soon as possible."
Evan and Hank exchanged looks for a moment, then Evan spoke up. "Dr. Wyman, could you supply a list of exactly which drugs you're proposing HankMed to use as well as a copy of the studies you've conducted on each. I'd like to review them and the spreadsheets on usage before I commit HankMed to anything."
"Of course. I'll have my assistant ready those for you while we tour the facility." The group stood. "If you'll excuse me for a moment." Dr. Wyman stepped out of the office, leaving Evan, Hank and Divya alone.
Hank had a worried look on his face. "What do you think, Evan?" He asked.
"I don't know yet. I want to see the paperwork." He replied.
Before anyone else could speak, Dr. Wyman returned. "OK, if you'll accompany me . . ." He ushered them out of his office and into the stark white hallway.
The facility was massive and impressive. "Here," Dr. Wyman stopped in front of a thick glass window, "is where we are conducting our most sensitive research."
"What sort of research?" Divya asked.
The Doctor pushed them from the window. "I'm sorry, it's classified. I can't discuss it."
As the doctor led them down the corridor, something, rather someone, caught Evan's eye. She bit her lower lip as her eyes met Evan's and then she slightly shook her head.
"Evan?" Divya's voice called out. "Evan, where are you?"
"Coming." He called out. "Guess I got a little turned around." He said as he met up with the group. "All of these corridors look the same."
Dr. Wyman stared at Evan for a moment, but didn't speak directly to him. They arrived at the lobby and Dr Wyman picked up a large envelope of information and handed it to Evan. "Well, thank you for meeting with me and Evan, give me a call after you've had an opportunity to review the information."
Evan took the overstuffed envelope. "Thank you. I'll be in touch." Looking up, he noticed the same girl from before standing near the restrooms. Evan cleared his throat. "Um, where is your Men's room?" he asked.
Dr. Wyman pointed towards the restrooms.
"Thanks. I'll catch up with you in a minute." He told Hank and Divya and quickly made his way towards the restrooms and the girl in the white lab coat.
"Where are you?" He whispered as he got close to the Men's room.
"Here." She whispered from beside the water fountain. Evan started towards her and she shook her head and waved her hands in front of her. "Don't come any closer. You and your friends are in danger." She said quietly. She then quickly bent down over the water fountain and sipped some water as she heard people approaching. Then she blended in with the group and was gone.
Evan stared after her wondering what she had meant.
"You OK, buddy?" Hank asked as Evan joined he and Divya outside.
"Yeah." Evan replied.
"Divya, why don't you come by the house for lunch?" Hank asked.
"I'm sorry. I have plans with Jill this afternoon, raincheck?"
Hank smiled. "Sure." He replied, noticing that Evan was already in the car.
"What's up with Evan?" Divya asked.
Hank shrugged. "I'll see you later."
TBC
