“How’s the report?”
He turned around and smiled at Zac. They’d met at a conference many years ago when they were beginning their medical careers. Zac was a young doctor, full of enthusiasm and ideas for improving the life of veterans. Peter had started his own biomedical company, doing his part in providing cutting-edge, hi-tech solutions to medical issues that plagued people from all walks of life.
Even though they now lived hundreds of miles apart, they’d remained good friends. “I wish I could say the report is nearly done, but I can’t. At least I’m closer to finishing it than I was last week.”
“Did you get the results from the last two trial patients?”
“They’ll be here this afternoon.” Three years ago, his company started developing a product called an Interactive Neurological Prosthetic. Made from an advanced composite gel, the prosthetic molded to each patient’s stump to create a perfect fit. But comfort was only a small part of the gel’s ground-breaking benefits. Acting as a neural-conductor, the gel sent information from the brain to the limb, helping the prosthetic to move like a normal part of the human body.
The first steps in its development hadn’t been easy.
After a huge amount of financial investment and rigorous clinical trials, with a team of dedicated staff, Peter was finally at the stage where he was happy with the product they’d developed. But to take it farther, to bring the state-of-the-art prosthetic into a commercial market, would require even more money. Without the report, there would be no additional funding. The project would come to a standstill and thousands of amputees wouldn’t have access to the life-changing prosthetic.
Peter handed Zac a copy of a chart he’d compiled.
His friend’s eyebrows rose. “These results are better than you expected.”
“Especially after the last round of modifications. I thought we’d lose some of the responsiveness, but that wasn’t the case.”
“What’s the worst that can happen with this design?”
“The limbs will look slightly different, but they’ll cost half of what we initially thought.”
“That sounds like the sort of trade-off most people can live with.”
Peter frowned at the pile of folders stacked on the side of the desk. “I hope so. I had a call from Dave McCauley at NASA. They’ve heard about our project and want to look at ways we can work together.”
Zac crossed his arms in front of his chest. “What does he know about the project?”
“I don’t know, but I’m keen to find out. All our trial recipients signed non-disclosure statements. The prosthetics they’re wearing are covered by every confidentiality clause our legal team could document. No one except you, the amputees, and my research and development team should know about the project.”
“There was always a risk that someone would talk.”
“I just wish they hadn’t said anything for a few more months. At least we patented the technology as soon as it looked promising. Anyone wanting to copy our design will have a fight on their hands.”
“I hope for your sake it doesn’t come to that.” Zac glanced through the window. “It’s a great day. Do you want to go for a run? Willow and Tiffany are visiting some friends and it could be my last chance to get away.”
Peter checked his watch. “Maybe next time. I have to go into town to collect some supplies. Can I get you anything?”
“Not at the moment. We’ve got everything we need.”
With one last look at the pile of work sitting on his desk, Peter stood and grabbed his jacket. “If I was looking for a Christmas cake for you and Willow, where would I go?”
“You can’t beat Megan’s cakes at Sweet Treats, but you don’t have to buy anything. We’re enjoying having you here.”
“We haven’t seen much of each other.”
“That’s because you’re busy. Once the report’s done, you can relax and enjoy the mountains and lake.”
Peter grinned. “I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t thinking about work. How do you switch off your brain?”
“You get away from the rat race and live somewhere like Sapphire Bay. I can guarantee by the middle of January, you won’t want to go back to New York.”
Peter grinned and held out his hand. “That’s too easy. Twenty bucks says I’ll be ready to leave before then.”
Zac shook his hand. “Done, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
* * *
