"Dr. Beattie! Dr. Beattie!" shouted reporters as they raised and waved their hands for her attention. The World Economic Forum at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland gathered the most powerful and influential people from around the world to strategize and work in partnership on issues facing the globe. It was the one forum where leaders could gather overtly to conduct covert conversations, which Dr. Beattie always found personally humorous. Cameras flashed away so fast Dr. Livia Beattie thought she would go blind, and thus wanted to hurry the press conference to an end.
"The Plato Foundation's work in humanitarian crises around the globe is commendable. However, how would you answer critics about some of your research initiatives?" Garry Hurst, a reporter for the Geneticists Journal asked.
"We are involved in many endeavors across the world, Mr. Hurst. What research initiatives are you referring to?" Dr. Beattie countered.
"Ones that involve improving the human condition." Hurst answered.
"Or more specifically, the activities of the Committee on the Advancement of Humanity." Shot up another hand. This one from Alton Bridges, a reporter for the Biosciences Courant.
"Meaning?" Dr. Beattie challenged.
"The rumors that some of the research supported by the Foundation is not exactly in keeping with international ethical standards."
"My, my. Running away again with conspiracy theories, Mr. Bridges?"
"I am trying to get to the root of the rumors that…" Bridges asserted.
"Our research initiatives are in keeping with international ethical standards and conduct, routinely certified by the Cole Scientific Oversight Group, which we all know is the standard in assessing the appropriateness of practiced research methodologies." Dr. Beattie replied over him.
"But how can you claim the integrity of its oversight given that the CSOG is affiliated with the Foundation?" Bridges challenged.
"I certainly don't think the CSOG is a liability, but rather a valued partner we're glad to have, assuring that we follow the most rigorous standards." Dr. Beattie relied. More hands shot up.
"Yes, Mr. Price?" Dr. Beattie prompted.
"Mr. Virgil Price, Financial Times International. What say you to the Matsuda Groups' bid to increase their stake in the Foundation?" Price asked.
"I welcome it." Dr. Beattie replied.
"But aren't you concerned about losing effective leadership control?" Price pressed.
"Absolutely not." Dr. Beattie confidently replied.
"Really? Your chairmanship requires support of the governing body to include Matsuda. Don't you think that with the increased stake they will seek to vie for the leadership of the Foundation?"
"The Executive Board of the Plato Foundation is privileged to have the most exclusive representation from the International Monetary Fund, the Dropova General Sciences Societale, the Ganesaen Doctrinal and Muthologia Entente, the Barre Futurologists Organization, and the Bonacieux Investment Consortium, a group that, as you know, comprised of some of the oldest and wealthiest financial institutions in the world, for which the Matsuda Group is a member. I assure you I have their fullest confidence. If I did not, I would not be standing here now. And with that, thank you everyone!" Dr. Livia Beattie replied, then grabbed a set of papers off the podium, stepped off in the direction of her Chief of Staff, Dr. Austine Bromley who waited for her alongside a wall, and together they exited the room to a cacophony of shouted questions, and loud camera shutters and flashbulbs behind them.
"I hope I fed the vultures well, Austine?" Livia queried as they exited the room.
"Exceptionally well, Ma'am!" Austine replied. Dr. Austine Bromley was a gifted Forensic Scientist in her own right, having attended all the right schools and secured all the right career positions to put herself on a tenured track at any University. But what was unique about Dr. Bromley's career path was after pursuing the sciences, she abruptly left it and joined Interpol, and quickly rose to rank of Detective. It was during her time with Interpol that she was able to merge her love of science and investigation into a notable Forensics career. It was also at Interpol where she developed a love for the intrigue of politics, and came to the attention of the Foundation. She was recommended for the Chief of Staff position after Livia's last Chief of Staff died tragically in a bobsled training accident. Dr. Beattie wasn't sure if the position would interest Dr. Bromley, but she took to it like ducks to water, and proved herself just as exceptional in the role.
"So, what's next?" Livia asked.
"Reviewing the budgets and contracts for the Foundation's environmental initiatives in your offices with the staffs." Dr. Bromley replied.
"After that?"
"The Dutch Prime Minister."
"After that?"
"Lunch meeting with Dr. Renato Giamo, Executive Director of the Steering Committee for the Global Communications Initiative."
"I really need to speak with him. One on One. Set up a separate dinner or breakfast with Renato later tonight or tomorrow."
"On it." Dr. Bromley replied.
"After that?"
"Meeting with the European Regional Scientific Community."
"Will my husband and Dr. Lavoie be there?"
"Their staffs reconfirmed."
"Good. They can handle that one. You know, in lieu of that meeting put Renato in that slot."
"Will do."
"After that?"
"A meeting with the North American contingent of our Private Investment Assurance Committee. They plan on conducting a presentation on the progress of their latest initiatives."
"After that?"
"What remains of the day is yours."
"Very little of it."
"Davos. Never a spare moment." Dr. Bromley reminded.
"Never."
Later in the afternoon, Dr. Beattie entered the Conference Room for her meeting with the Private Investment Assurance Committee and was greeted with a quick round of applause. After rounding the room, greeting attendees one familiar face approached her.
"Ellie!" Dr. Beattie greeted with open arms.
"Livia!" Ellie Saen returned the greeting. They embraced and air-kissed one another on each cheek.
"So good to see you again! It truly has been too long!" Livia said.
"I agree, way too long! Do you have time for a game of Squash before the Conference is over?"
"I will make the time." Livia replied. "Calla with you?"
"Yes. She's with Livvy speaking with some people over there." Ellie replied and pointed to the other side of the room.
"And Ophelia? Here with Freddi?"
"Of course. She and Freddi are at the Global Risks presentation, with Dr. Rudolf Frye."
"Opheila is making her rounds I take it."
"I wouldn't be surprised if an impromptu evening gala wasn't placed on your calendar here before long." Ellie replied.
"I have no doubt." Livia replied as they both smiled. "How's Livvy liking VPI?"
"She cannot rave enough about it. Thank you for your sponsorship." Ellie replied.
"It was my pleasure. Livvy is exceptional. I have every confidence she'll succeed. How's Mason? Is he here with you as well?"
"Nope. Still in the Congo."
"Wait. Wasn't he there the last time I spoke with you?"
"He's still there doing some expanded study. Loves it."
"You must be so proud of them both."
"Enormously!"
"Dr. Beattie!" Livvy called from behind them. They turned to see her approach and greeted one another with short hugs and the expected two-cheek air-kiss.
"Livvy! You look amazing! Your Internship at VPI seems to suit you well."
"It so does! Thank you again for sponsoring my application." Livvy replied.
"As I was telling your mother here, I have every confidence you'll succeed." Livia replied.
"Gosh, that place is so amazing. Learning so much from Dr. Zarow." Livvy said.
"Vespasien speaks highly of Velia." Livia noted.
"And there are so many people I still need to thank. Like Dr. Lewis..." Livvy said. That made Livia's eyes narrow for a moment.
"Excuse me. Dr. Lewis?" Livia queried.
"Dr. Lauren Lewis. Livvy can't stop raving about her influence over her career path." Ellie clarified. Livia's eyes narrowed some more.
"You know her?" Livia asked.
"We met some years ago when Livvy was young. I'm still surprised she remembers her." Ellie replied.
"How could I not? She was my total inspiration." Livvy said.
"May I ask when and where was the last time you saw Dr. Lewis?" Livia asked.
"As I said before, it's been years." Ellie replied.
"How long exactly?" Livia pressed.
"Almost fourteen." Ellie replied.
"And you said you met her where?" Livia asked.
"We met Lauren in a town called Albert Cove." Ellie answered.
"Lauren, you say? Not Doctor. I take it you know her well then?" Livia challenged.
"We happened to meet when I was living there. She arrived on vacation of a sort." Ellie replied.
"Of a sort?" Livia asked.
"At that time, she was working for a place called Ash Pharmaceuticals and was trying to decide whether she wanted to remain with them." Ellie replied.
"And that was fourteen years ago?" Livia asked.
"Yes. Is something the matter, Livia?" Ellie asked. Livia decided upon the elusive route.
"As you may be aware, Ash Pharmaceuticals is responsible for the blockers break-through which has put them ahead of the game in many areas." Livia replied.
"I am aware." Ellie replied.
"We could use such critical expertise here at the Foundation. The problem is we can't find her. At least, not lately."
"Well, if she's of the mindset like she was fourteen years ago. She's not going to be willing to pick up and leave Ash Pharmaceuticals." Ellie informed.
"Anyone can be enticed." Livia said.
"Granted, but her enticement at the time had other motivations." Ellie replied.
"What do you mean?" Livia asked.
"Lauren said Ash Pharmaceuticals is a family-owned company, and back when I last saw her she was in love with it's apparent heir. Instead of taking an offer I extended to her she decided returned to Ash Pharmaceuticals and to whom she loved." Ellie replied.
"Really? What was the name of her paramour?" Livia asked.
"Bo." Ellie answered. Calla suddenly appeared and they all found themselves startled.
"Oh dear! I didn't mean to startle you all!" Calla said. "You must've been in some intense conversation."
"Apologies, my dear! We were a bit focused." Livia said then quickly greeted Calla with a hug and the two-cheek air kiss.
"It's the only thing I hate about conferences like this. Every conversation is intense." Calla replied.
"Quite right." Ellie said as she took calla's hand.
"I was sent over to prompt you to begin the session." Calla said to Dr. Beattie.
"Ah yes. Mustn't keep people waiting." Livia replied.
"Is Dr. Lewis in trouble or something?" Livvy asked concerned.
"No dear! Absolutely not." Ellie quickly replied.
"She's just a hot commodity." Livia added.
"That she is!" Livvy said with a broad smile. "Mason has the total hots for her!"
"Let's just embarrass your brother when he's not around to defend himself." Ellie chastised.
"Mummy! You know he would do the same." Livvy reminded.
"We should get started then." Livia said then proceeded to convene the meeting.
After the Private Investment Assurance Committee meeting Livia returned to her offices and called for her Chief of Staff.
"Yes, Ma'am?" Austine prompted after she walked into Dr. Beattie's office and stood in front of her desk.
"I want you to scour everything you can find on a Dr. Lauren Lewis and Ash Pharmaceuticals. We have some information, but it's both outdated and incomplete. I want the most current and complete picture." Livia replied.
"How soon?" Austine asked.
"As soon as possible."
"It may take a few days to cobble together a full report. But as soon as we are done here in Davos I can have the staff get right on it."
"Have your Deputy cover for you. I want you to see to this personally."
"Will do."
"I mean now. Take whatever investigative bloodhounds you need but I want no stone unturned."
"Understood." Austine turned and was about to leave when she was stopped.
"And Austine?"
"Ma'am?"
"Start with a town called Albert Cove."
"Will do." Austine replied. Then the doors opened and Dr. Gareton Beattie entered the office. Austine gave him a wide berth as she passed him to leave the office.
"Dr. Beattie." Austine greeted as she went.
"Austine." Gareton greeted as she passed.
"You rang?" Gareton prompted. After Livia filled him in on the details of what she had learned and what she planned to do about it he asked, "I thought we decided to let her initiate contact?"
"I can't anymore. I need to see our daughter." Livia replied.
"I share your desire, but I thought we also agreed to wait until she initiated contact." Gareton said.
"It's been how long? 20 years? I'm beginning to think she never will." Livia replied. Gareton exhaled. "Are you upset with me?"
"No. But need I remind you, you must also be prepared for the consequences of her return."
"I am prepared to deal with that." Livia replied.
"Are you sure?" Gareton countered. "Not only do we have to deal with what is known, but what is also unknown."
"I want our daughter back home! By all means necessary!" Livia fiercely replied.
"As do I." Gareton said then rounded her desk and kissed her on the lips, and said, "Very well, then. We do this together."
"Together." Livia replied then took her husband's hand, kissed it and then held it against her face in worried thought.
