Diversion 1 - Diversion Read Online Free PDF Page A

controlled substances.”
On a scale of one to five, one being the most dangerous (and against US law), and five being the least (including prescription cough syrups with codeine), class three and four products weren't the most dangerous or addictive, but still heavily regulated.
A collective groan rang out before frantic chatter filled the air. Lucky, Bo, Walter, and an entirely too smug CEO remained quiet. A CEO who likely expected to duck the shit about to hit the fan. No such luck, pal.
“Silence!” The CEO slammed his hand down on the table finally, causing many to jump. Lucky didnt flinch. “Whats happened has happened and cant be undone. The best we can hope for now is damage control. Mr. Smith?” He gave Walter the floor again.
“As I was saying, the shipment contained class three and four substances. The DEA has been notified and will expect a full investigation. My colleagues and I are here to gather preliminary data, assess the damages, and work to minimize losses.”
Thats where Luckys outfit fit into the great scheme of things. While the DEA and FDA were national and states each had their own branch of the Board of Pharmacy, the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau maintained regional jurisdiction, often working behind the scenes. Its the dog you dont see thatll sneak up and bite the hardest.
Sweat sheened Walters beefy face. “Mr. Kramer,” he addressed the puffedup CEO. “Do you have a copy of the manifest? Good. Tell me, whats standard excursion time for those specific products?”
The balding little man pretended to peruse the list. Lucky wasnt fooled. The bastard better learn to play his part before his employees noticed his smirk. “According to our standard operating procedures, any product exposed to questionable temperatures or conditions in excess of twenty hours must be destroyed. Its Monday, the shipment disappeared late Friday evening. If it miraculously reappeared right now, itd still be too late.”
A wavering voice queried from Luckys left, “Whats the total dollar value of the shipment?”
“Sir?” Walter lifted an eyebrow at Kramer.
“Three and a half million dollars,” Kramer replied.
Lucky stood a snowballs chance in hell of ever being on the board of a multimillion dollar company, but felt pretty sure hed be needing oxygen if hed been told hed lost three mil in a few hours.
“Three million!” someone rasped, in horrified tones more in keeping with the news.
Cool as a cucumber, Walter added insult to injury. “Those figures cover the physical loss of property. The cargo has not been recovered, and might possibly be on its way back into the supply chain. We must prevent these goods from finding their way onto pharmacy shelves.” He quieted, letting the board members draw their own conclusions. After all, one would hope theyd gained some knowledge of supply chains while working for a pharmaceutical company.
“How many lots are affected?” The sickly shade of Orange-tieguys complexion appeared even paler against his mandarin silk neckwear.
Walter glanced down at his copy of the manifest, for show no doubt. More than likely hed spent the weekend memorizing the list and any other relevant details. Despite their differences over the years, Lucky grudgingly acknowledged Walters competence at his job, and his “stage presence.” Instead of an immediate reply, he paused, timing his words for maximum impact. “Seventeen.”
“Seventeen lots? Good Lord!” Tie-guy appeared a little faint.
A debate whirlwinded around Lucky. Having heard variations of the same conversations for far too many years, he tuned it out, fixing his attention on the newbie. Probably some trust fund baby, partying on Mommy and Daddys dime for eight years and earning a piece of paper for managing not to get kicked out of college. No wrinkles marred his clothes, and hed probably never had dirt under his nails even as a kid. Hell, more than likely those unbroken nails received a professional polish and buff each