A Dose of Control

A Dose of Control Book 3 of the Big Pharma Series By Lotus James A Dose of Control – Big Pharma Series Copyright © 2023 Lotus James All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents, and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is coincidental. Produced by: Life Garden Publishing Inc. P.O. Box 333 Borden, IN 47106 USA Table of Contents 1 – The Simulation 2 – Conspiracy Talk 3 – Dream of Warning 4 – Lucky Regroups 5 – Closet Meeting 6 – Inner Turmoil 7 – Plans Hatch 8 – Meeting Marcos 9 – Tellinger 10 – Lunch with Teresa 11 – New Job 12 – Haley Shares News 13 – Sarah & Jason 14 – Haley Plans 15 – Ric & Carson 16 – Brazil Underground 17 – Jessie 18 – Meeting Redhawk 19 – Self Defense 20 – Lunch with Evan 21 – Alice’s Bar 22 – The Supplement 23 – Birth of a Nonprofit 24 – Lucky’s Tip 25 – 1st VACE Meeting 26 – Jack & Haley Speak 27 – Cameras Working 28 – Lucky Discoveries 29 – Dinner with Brad 30 – The Alley 31 – Lucky Chases 32 – The Confession 33 – Remorse 34 – An Invitation 35 – Past & Present 36 – VACE 3rd Meeting 37 – With The Presidents 38 – The Warehouse 39 – Matt Foster Helps 40 – Drive-By 41 – VACE 4th Meeting 42 – Vegas 43 – Tellinger Schemes 44 – The 16th Floor 45 – The Release 46 – Tempting Teresa 47 – Censored 48 – The Wreck 49 – Sonya Sounds Alarm 50 – Into The Forest 51 – Captive 52 – Emergency Leave 53 – One Life For Two 54 – Pray For Escape 55 – Redhawk & Jack 56 – Reunited 57 – The Journey About The Author 1 – The Simulation The Past – New York, NY, August, 2019 The black Escalade rolled along slowly, hugging the curb in Manhattan. It came to a stop in front of a towering white landmark skyscraper. Momentarily, the driver stepped out, quickly shutting the door behind him. Smiling courteously, he opened the right rear door for his passenger. Tellinger slid from the leather seat and stood, his head lifted toward the building’s entrance. “Thank you,” Tellinger said, curtly. He smoothed his suit coat and placed his cell phone in his jacket’s interior pocket. “My pleasure, sir. Give me a ring when you’re ready to be picked up.” “I will do that,” Tellinger replied. “I’m certain it will be several hours.” J.D. Tellinger was in his late fifties, with a medium build, standing just shy of six feet tall. He had sharp blue eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone he looked at, and a strong jawline that was always clean-shaven. His hair was a salt-and-pepper mix, cropped short and groomed to perfection. He always dressed in expensive suits that highlighted his wealth and power, and he had a habit of wearing a gold Rolex watch that glimmered in the light. Tellinger was a ruthless CEO who had built Chadwell's pharmaceutical empire from a medium size endeavor to a behemoth that operated worldwide. He had a reputation for being cutthroat in business deals and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He often shrouded himself in secrecy, rarely allowing anyone to get close to him, except for a select group of loyal employees who were part of his inner circle. He walked toward the gold entrance doors and was greeted inside by a young woman with chestnut hair dressed in a teal suit with white blouse. She gave him a brilliant white smile. “May I have your name, please?” she asked. “J.D. Tellinger of Chadwell Pharmaceuticals.” “I’m very pleased to meet you, sir. I’m Gwen, one of Bob Goodall’s personal assistants. Welcome to our New York offices and thank you for attending. This is Charles,” she said, indicating a young man standing close by. “He will escort you to the Goodall Foundation meeting area.” Tellinger tipped his head to her and smiled. “Thank you very much.” He followed Charles to the set of four elevators and they entered the first available. Tellinger noticed the young man seemed friendly, but slightly nervous, as the elevator car ascended to the thirty-sixth floor. Charles held the elevator door as Tellinger departed. He then stepped ahead of him, escorting him toward a large office complex within the building. As they entered through the glass doors of the suite, Charles announced to the receptionist, “This is Mr. J.D. Tellinger of Chadwell Pharmaceuticals.” She reached out her hand and greeted him. “So happy you could attend today, Mr. Tellinger. Mr. Goodall and the participants are beginning to gather now in the meeting space. Shall I take you there?” “Thank you. Yes, of course.” She led them down a hallway to a set of large double doors and opened one of them, motioning for him to enter. He stepped into an oversized conference room with white walls and an incredibly long oval table situated in the center. On one side of the table was a long row of chairs and behind them a large projection screen. At the other side of the table were floor to ceiling windows with a breathtaking view of the city. Mr. Goodall stood at the head of the table sporting his signature preppy v-neck sweater over a button down shirt. Tellinger did not remember ever seeing him wear a suit. He walked forward and greeted Tellinger with a warm handshake. “Welcome, J.D. We’re glad you could join us again. Bill Knight messaged and said he’s running fifteen minutes behind. I suggest we all