Page 98 of Asher Black (The Five Syndicates)
Well, from a limited business standpoint, I suppose I understand why the CEO would suggest this without truly understanding TEs. TE research is still rudimentary, having only been discovered in the 80s. But once more discoveries are made, the possibilities are endless.
I continue, “Hemophilia A and B, predisposition to cancer, severe combined immunodeficiency, and porphyria are just some of the diseases TEs are known to cause. Research in TEs will be vital to curing these diseases.”
When I look at the IllumaGen board, I realize that I’m not convincing them. They make money off of temporary cures, drugs that need to be used over and over again. I need to speak to IllumaGen’s biggest moneymaker—antibiotics.
Holding back a grimace, I say, “Already, we know that transposons in bacteria often carry a gene for antibiotic resistance. Imagine if we can figure out a way to prevent these transposons from transposing.”
“Antibiotics would be able to be used more often, resulting in an increase in sales for us,” the COO finishes for me.
I hate that these men see groundbreaking, potentially lifesaving research as an avenue for profit, but if it means the research will continue, I can’t complain. Science saves lives, but there’s no science without money. It’s irritating, but there’s a reason grant writing is a job.
The CEO studies me for a moment, an odd look on his face, before he says, “So, we’ll have to make budget cuts elsewhere.”
“Not necessarily,” I say, earning his interest. “From what I’m hearing, you treat each field of research as a separate division, but if you treat them as interdisciplinary”—I think of Dr. Dennis Slamon, who developed the breast cancer drug Herceptin on the back of birth control research— “you’ll be able to cut out a lot of iterative work. Less work, less chemicals, and less time equals—”
“Money saved,” interrupts the CFO.
I nod. “Exactly.”
When the conversation continues, Madeline leans into my ear and whispers, “That was amazing!” At my furrowed brows, she explains, “These guys are misogynistic assholes. They’ve never once talked to me other than to say hi. It’s like my opinion doesn’t matter, never mind the fact that I graduated Summa Cum Laude at Wharton while their CFO only graduated Cum Laude.”
I squeeze her hand sympathetically and nod, taking the opportunity to lean into Asher’s side. Business and STEM fields are both male dominated fields, but combine the two, and you’ve got guys like these—assholes that don’t even stop to consider if a woman’s mind has merit. I’ve seen it before, and I’ll see it again.
Asher is surrounded by these type of men through work, yet he’s always been respectful to me. He asked for my opinion, and he’s always valued what I have to say.
How am I just realizing how amazing Asher is? Or have I just been in denial?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Courage and perseverance
have a magical talisman,
before which difficulties
disappear and obstacles
vanish into air.
John Quincy Adams
It’s nearing dinner time when Asher, Owen, Madeline, and I approach the head table. It’s raised above all of the others, like it’s meant for royalty. And I suppose, in this company, the board and CEO are.
We take our assigned seats, and when we settle down, I notice the seat beside René is empty. I haven’t seen Viola around, but I just assumed that she was off somewhere, rating poor girls on their appearances.
One look at René and my stomach is in knots. He has an eager look on his face, which can’t mean anything good is coming. I look away immediately, but he speaks up.
“Lucy, what a wonderful surprise to see you here.”
“Is it?” Asher asks, a warning in his voice. “This is a company event, and we always bring our spouses to events. Lucy will soon be my wife. Her presence shouldn’t be a surprise to any of us.” He narrows his eyes. “But I see your wife isn’t here. Having trouble at home, René?”
“Not at all.” René’s grin spreads wider, his face the unsettling picture of anticipation. “She was feeling under the weather, but luckily, another friend of mine happens to be in town. So, I decided to invite him instead.”
Asher’s eyes are narrowed in suspicion. “Anyone we know?”
René’s grin is so wide right now that it has to be hurting his face. “I don’t think you two have had the pleasure of meeting, but your dear Lucy should know him well.”
I freeze.
