The Charismatic Charlie Wade

“Oracle Pharmaceutical?” James Smith echoed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Why on earth would you be heading there?”

Hector’s face lit up, a spark of hope evident. “An old friend has pulled some strings for Shiann and me concerning the Oracle medicine. He has ties with the top brass of Oracle Pharmaceutical. He’s arranged a spot for Jimmy too. We’re on our way there to meet him, and you should bring Jimmy. Let’s get moving!”

James’s eyebrows furrowed. “Didn’t they blacklist both of you? Jimmy doesn’t meet their criteria. Who is this mysterious friend of yours? How can he wield so much influence?”

“I’m not certain about his background,” Hector confessed. “He claims he’s close with Liam Weaver from Oracle Pharmaceutical. I’ve no evidence of his claims, but he doesn’t strike me as one to jest about something this serious.”

James looked stern, “Hector, Oracle Pharmaceutical has deeper secrets than you might think. Liam is just a face for the real power behind the scenes. Trust me, he wouldn’t dare to bend the rules for anyone.”

“But,” Hector insisted, “he seems genuine. You’re already in Aurous Hill and so are we. Just bring Jimmy. Even if things don’t pan out, what do we have to lose?”

James hesitated, then inquired, “Hector, what’s your friend’s name? How did you two meet?”

“His name’s Robert Clark. Met him during a hiking trip.”

“Robert Clark?” James’s surprise was palpable. “If it were Abraham, I might be more optimistic. But Robert Clark? Never heard of him. How old is he?”

“In his early 20s, by the looks of him.”

James sighed with a touch of disappointment. “That can’t be Anne then. He’s pushing thirty. But tell me, how’s Jimmy holding up?”

“It’s grim,” James admitted with a heaviness in his voice. “The doctors here say the cancer has invaded most of his organs. Chemotherapy isn’t as effective anymore. If there’s no improvement after this round, they’re suggesting palliative care. It’s… it’s basically the end for him.”

Hector’s voice was tinged with urgency. “Where is he? Is he with you in the church?”

at the Aurous Hill People’s

an eyebrow. “Your wife’s

nodded, “She sorted out matters in the U.S., sold our home, and then brought our daughter

you bringing Jimmy? We’ll wait for you at

say it’s better to trust and be

nodded. “Perfect. We’ll see you at Oracle’s entrance. And remember, Mr. Smith, this whole operation is sensitive.

“Understood,” James affirmed.

church members, many of whom were fellow expatriates.

his concern. “Anything wrong, James?

small smile. “I’m fetching Jimmy. Then we’re

his shoulder. “If you need anything,

Smith replied, swiftly exiting the church before hailing a taxi bound for the People’s

People’s Hospital and adopt the same treatment regimen they had followed in the United States for chemotherapy. Initially, they had lodged in a hotel nearby, waiting for Jenny. Later, after organizing matters in the States and hastening to Aurous Hill with their daughter, they secured a rental home near

by the hospital’s guidelines, Jenny ensured their child received chemotherapy and tests as

were top-of-the-line and recently developed, yet even so, they couldn’t eliminate the cancer. Their goal was now to slow the spread of the cancer cells as much as

discover localized carcinoma, curable through surgical excision. If metastasis had occurred,

of individual genetic makeup played a part. Some individuals, through genetic fortune, possessed the necessary

targets,

drugs, conventional chemotherapy

was acutely aware that this last line of defense was faltering, its remaining time likely just a few short

ward with ease, James observed rows

little Jimmy was the

ago, the child had gained approval from Oracle Pharmaceutical,