"Introductions in a moment, of course, but first Dr Hayward can I ask you a question? Tell me have you seen tonight's news?"
…
David starred at the smiling man. He wasn't in the mood for such an unwelcome intrusion.
"Look I haven't got time for this." said David walking past. The large man in the doorway stepped forward, blocking his way.
The young man in the suit actually had the cheek to tut.
"I had hoped this would be simple." he said. "I guess we go straight to business."
The man pulled a business card from his top pocket.
"Stephen Campbell, I represent the Mabushi Medical Corporation…
"I'm not interested in corporate medicine." said David ignoring the proffered card and crossing his arms.
Undeterred, the man smiled.
"Well corporate medicine is very interested in you… well your little elixir of life; your Orpheus serum."
"Not for sale." said David flatly. He glared at the burly man in his doorway. "Are we done now?"
"Hardly." said Mr Campbell, "We have gone to a lot of trouble to arrange this meeting. But first, as I said, I think you need to watch the latest news report and then we shall start this conversation again in a more conductive frame of mind. Mr Salt…"
The large man on the porch produced a laptop and held it out for David to see. It showed a news report of footage of Pine Valley Hospital.
"This is live." said Mr Campbell narrating the scene. "It would seem there is a hostage situation going on at the hospital right now. Some dangerous escaped convict… And I'm afraid it is my sad duty to report that your daughter Marissa is caught up in it,"
"Marissa…"
David turned and grabbed the young man's collar.
"What have you done!"
A heavy hand landed on David's shoulder and pulled him back. Mr Salt was as strong as he looked.
Then David noticed a second man, just as large as Mr Salt emerging from the black 4x4… who David instantly nicknamed 'Mr Pepper'.
Recognising the threat David slowly released his grip.
"Fine you have my attention." said David, cautiously shrugging off the hand that had loosened the grip on his shoulder.
"Wonderful." said Mr Campbell quickly regaining his confident demeanour. "I am here to negotiate the exclusive sale of your Orpheus treatment to my corporation… and hopeful we can resolve this so that we all gain something positive from the outcome."
The veiled threat was clear; he sold or something bad would happen to Marissa. David glanced again at the news footage playing on the laptop screen.
Realising he had no choice but to play along, David sighed;
"Why don't you come inside where we can talk?"
"Most hospitable of you." said the Mr Campbell, straightening his tie before striding past towards David's front door.
As he followed, David noticed the lock had already been forced.
The shadow of Mr Salt trailed in closely behind him.
...
P.S. Wow guys, all those reviews over the last two days, awesome! – THANK YOU!