December 15, 2020 • 25 mins
Would you sell your life to save another?
Special forces vet, Samantha Jones, is a lowly bodyguard for Ethan Anderson, the biotech billionaire who revolutionized life extension. But at least she’s got a job, unlike most, and won’t have to sell her organs to support her family. Sure, they’re poor, but she’s got death insurance, and a roof over her head. Life is livable...
Until her daughter is kidnapped and sold for parts, and the ex-assassin snaps.
Someone is going to pay.
Grab the rest today FREE with an Audible trial:
deathdonor.com
Special forces vet, Samantha Jones, is a lowly bodyguard for Ethan Anderson, the biotech billionaire who revolutionized life extension. But at least she’s got a job, unlike most, and won’t have to sell her organs to support her family. Sure, they’re poor, but she’s got death insurance, and a roof over her head. Life is livable...
Until her daughter is kidnapped and sold for parts, and the ex-assassin snaps.
Someone is going to pay.
Grab the rest today FREE with an Audible trial:
deathdonor.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Disruptors, the podcastabout the future of all of us,
where we look at the technologies,trends, and societal norms shaping our collective
future. Here, the world's topminds share their insights and predictions on the
convergence, direction and ethics of exponentialtechnologies transforming life as we know it.
You can learn more and stay upto date at Disruptors dot fm. Mere
(00:26):
Money Press presents Death Donor by MattWard. More information on the author at
matt Wardwrights dot com. To purchasethe complete audio adventure, or to download
the entire techno thriller free with afree trial of audible, visit deathdnor dot
com. Today's episode is brought toyou guys by bit trust. Do you
(00:49):
want to add bitcoin to your retirementaccount? Do you think cryptocurrencies are going
going, going somewhere special? Ifyou think that bitcoin really has a potential
and you want to get involved inthe space, the world of cryptocurrency can
be confusing. How do you getinvolved? That's the question so many people
have. But you can diversify yourportfolio, get into crypto investments and more
by checking out bit Trustira dot com, Slash Disruptors. They can help you
(01:14):
seamlessly add cryptocurrency, store the privatekeys in nuclear bunkers with military grade protection,
and they've got the lowest trading feesin the industry. Make sure you
guys check them out. Bit trustIra dot com slash Disruptors, that's dis
rup Trs, and for a limitedtime, they're waiving the sign up fee
a fifty dollar value just for signingup, checking them out, and putting
(01:38):
Bitcoin and other awesome cryptocurrencies into yourretirement account. Want to diversify a little
bit with some digital gold. Bittrust ira dot com slash Disruptors for more
details. And now let's get backto the episode. Mike, here we
go again. Let's get this overwith. Come in the door opened and
(02:00):
into my anything but ornate office.Strode Megan Larson the third time in as
many weeks. Confident as always,long legs propelled the CrossFit forged Burnette passed
a wide mouthed owens at the doorand towards my cluttered desk, her poisonous
brown eyes sizing me up, tallcasual black armoni and high cheekbones with just
(02:23):
the right amount of makeup. Nodoubt from her various stylists or high profile
clientele. How have you been,senator? Have you considered our offer?
There was something about her attacking andinviting all at once, a pitball.
I wasn't sure I should pet.You're back already, she smiled, still
(02:44):
standing. We both know how importantthis deal is. You are coming up
for reelection next year, and Ihear the mayor is considering your seat.
And you want me to sell mysoul and take DDI money to beat that
corrupt rat of a woman and beyour marionette. That it. It was
a game to these dirtbag lobbyists.I wasn't perfect, not by any means,
(03:09):
asked my ex wife, if youhad twenty minutes to kill, But
thank god I never became a lobbyist. Look, miss Larson, take a
seat. I gestured to the straightbacked mahogany chair facing my simple wooden desk.
What do you want? Her penciledbrows twitched without so much as a
(03:30):
wrinkle. We are looking to bringjobs back to your home state, right
in Atlanta. But Boston and Torontoare offering generous tax breaks, and DDI
has its shareholders to consider. Ididn't respond, letting silence work for me
the polls don't look good, shesaid, At last, our people have
(03:52):
run the numbers. I'm sure yourshave as well. She was right,
Rodriguez was up ten points since we'dfailed to ray minimum wage. Georgians were
struggling and the economy was always makeor break. What do you want?
I asked? You need funding anda few headline photo apps. We can
(04:12):
make that happen. She outlined termsand what they could offer before leaving.
Did she think I was that crooked? Next meeting shit the Christian Life Group.
They'd lost that battle years ago.The executive fleet Tesla pulled into my
high rises, reinforced guard, patrolledunderground bunker. It had been a long
(04:36):
day. Everyone wanted something, Taxthe rich, tax the poor. Why
aren't we spending more on the military? Healthcare, education reform? What had
happened to that naive kid from Syracuselooking to change the system? When had
I become so cynical? At leastwe weren't in session. Senate cats were
(04:58):
a whole nother matter. Asses tightenough to uncork Mere Low as they slayed
you for dessert sir? Are youokay? It was Reggie Owens, the
tall black bodyguard who'd been at myside since my election holding the door,
Had I been daydreaming? I chuckled, Fine wredge one of those days?
And how many times do I haveto tell you call me Mike? He
(05:23):
smiled as we headed for the lift. At least one more, sir.
Everyone in the building was vetted andunder constant surveillance, pools, gems,
and ten thousand square foot gardens protectedby AI and facial recognition. The elevator
opened to my favorite song, LiveLike You Were Dying, and whisked us
(05:44):
to forty five. We got offand followed plush carpeting into my empty apartment.
Dang, it had been ages sinceI'd seen Anne, my one neighbor.
I've been wanting to ask her outfor a while. I kicked off
loafers on the brown welcome home mattAva had picked out but never taken,
sighing, None of this was mystuff, not really. Between secretaries,
(06:10):
assistants and Ava, everything about thisput together apartment had a touch too much
class. At least I decorated thepad in DC and house in Syracuse myself,
so they weren't as lonely starving.I headed for the kitchen, glad
for heated tile. You hungry,I yelled. Reggie grunted approval. What
(06:32):
did we have today? Tupperware linedthe stainless steel fridge eight options. Larry,
You're a godsend. He must havestalked up. I stuck the cultured
bison with wild grains into my multipurpose oven sneaking a few chocolate covered almonds
while waiting. Waistline be damned waiting. I replayed the day in my head
(06:56):
to ignore the antique kitchen table,which haunted me with memory of making love
to my ex wife. It'd bea fight with Rodriguez this November. She'd
done a phenomenal job turning around downtowncrime, poverty, unemployment. Was this
the year to call it quits?My chip buzzed call coming in. I
(07:18):
tapped my temple and an overlay appeared, activating my internal headphones. It was
Jamie. Hey, Dad, how'sit going? She looked so much like
her mother, the same fiery browneyes, uncontrolled yet gorgeous hair, and
turned up nose up to no good. Hey, Jame, I was school,
(07:38):
I missed. You can't wait forthis weekend? I had it all
planned out? Yeah, Dad,about that, she said, not again?
It had been three weeks since we'dhad a weekend at my place.
Mom thought her and I could goto Rome. It's the last summer before
my apprenticeship in all, and I'vealways wanted ever since that cheesy heist movie.
(08:01):
She talked about going relegated again.I swallowed hard. Rome will be
great, Jane, I had alwayscalled her Jamee. Ava hated it.
When that's the best part. Dad, we'll be there a month for summer,
authentic as it gets. I nodded, doing my best to mask the
crushing blow. But even we politicianshave tells. Jamie's eyes clouded. You're
(08:28):
disappointed, aren't you, she asked, No, honey, it's great.
You'll learn a ton and we'll hangout when you're back before your Google Life
internship. I forced a smile awhole month without her. Dad, you're
the best, Mum, knew you'dsay yes. Of course she did.
The selfish bitch. Jamie had togo. Not long after, Ava had
(08:52):
decided to eat out to celebrate,no thought for anyone else but herself and
the little girl who was everything toher. Nothing had changed, damn it.
Ava another lonely night, a fewmeetings. The following morning, senators
and congressmen fighting for bipartisan support onthis and that half were on de Deay's
(09:15):
doll or Google's. There was somuch money in corporate finance. Dad had
railed against it, growing up rootof all evil. He was right.
I'd seen a lot in the yearssince beating Joe Porter. He'd been the
NRA A sponsored favorite, and methe unknown upstart. He was conservative and
me liberal, an upstate New Yorkimplant who'd witnessed enough inner city violence to
(09:41):
ban weapons outright talk about unpopular,especially in Georgia. But knocking up a
coked up underage girl and Christian normsdid the rest. The upstanding voters sent
me packing to d c in overmy head. I'd come a long way
on the ride, I called myex wife, big mistake, Ava Roam.
(10:07):
Really, come on, Mike,Jamie's wanted to go since freshman year,
and we could have gone any pointssince. You could have asked,
not that you ever did. Sherolled a practiced eye. You are too
busy for your family ten years ago. Why is to day different? At
least it's not a birthday you're missingthis time? Ouch, low blow.
(10:31):
I clenched my teeth when do youleave. I want to see her Sunday,
she replied, without acknowledging my request. Shit two days not cool.
I'll pick her up tonight around seven. I don't know. Damn it,
Ava, I snapped, therapist's advice. Be damned, I want to see
(10:52):
my daughter. I'll be there atseven. I hung up and sighed,
just another day as divorced dad.Even politicians had shit for rights ethan three
more reps, Sir, Boris shouted. I arched my back into the hard
(11:13):
bench, inching the bar off myheaving chest. Four five. The barbell
froze midway three hundred fifteen pounds,bearing down as Boris towered over me.
Won't help, No, don't quit. Google wouldn't sl I either, and
(11:35):
this would be a new personal best. What doesn't kill you? The bar
descended. Push damn it. Youshould have been able to save Bobby,
don't, I snarled, I gotit. The bar thudded on my chest
and Boris ripped it on to waitinghooks. My eyes snapped open. I
said, I had it. Iknow, sir, but you are going
(11:58):
to don't say die. My armsshivered. Never say die, I hated
that word. Boris knew not toargue. After an ice bath and ultra
violet sauna, I showered and suitedup Nike's in a blue Lacoste T shirt.
Perks of being CEO footsteps. Howis your night, I asked,
(12:22):
fine, Sir. Jones took upposition in the kitchen's roman arches, furtive,
sunken eyes, never settling her backnormally west point ramrod straight, slouched
in the door frame. Sure everythingis okay, I asked. Didn't look
like it, she sighed, Mumstuff home late last night. Nothing to
(12:43):
worry about, Sir. Some jobsrequired more sacrifice, and I paid more
than enough considering how many unemployed soldiersand bodyguards there were. She'd get over
it. Sipping exotic crude, Jonesand I discussed day's schedule before walking the
soundproof bunker hallway to the main liftwalls lined with the best security money could
(13:07):
buy. A boy scout was alwaysprepared, cheese boy Scouts. It had
been ages since moms stepped up aspack leader, organizing camping trips, code
academies. It's everything. She didn'tgive a damn how the other dads looked
at her. Her Ethan deserved areal childhood could for nothing. Father be
damned Legal and HR waited as thecoral line to heady room doors opened.
(13:33):
The call came in at seven am. Sharp Ethiopian and Croatian offices materializing
above the driftwood table. What's thesaddest of our permits and facilities? Deardre,
I asked, despite knowing the answerslower than expected. Croatians are putting
up rep tape like its Christmas.Could be three E fighting for their turf,
(13:54):
or perhaps Asia. We need thosefucking bodies, I snapped, to
get everyone's attention. Sometimes it tooka well timed f bomb to get down
to business. Do whatever it takes. I want a donor pipeline by Q
one next year and a full blownfacility in Zagreb by Q three. Could
(14:15):
you do that? She promised,Same thing with Ethiopia, albeit faster and
a better price. The Ethiopian governmentwas holding on by a thread, desperate
for jobs and tax revenue. Today'sepisode is brought to you, guys by
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otis dot Com slash Disruptor for moredetails. Sam back to Back Travel was
(16:52):
rare. Boris gave the all clearsign and we hopped from the company.
V toll to the second story ivycover landing pad of Mayor Rodriguez's four acre
estate. Ethan had warned me ofanother late night. At least Darren hadn't
read me his bloody riot Act.Blunt with his department head to talk funding
proposals. Never enough to go around. Two thick necked Brits sporting scowls and
(17:18):
MP fives led us pass pristine greeneryto a disguised lift with palatial views of
the willed manner compound. Servant quarterssat on either side of the main with
fountains, searchlights, and four concealedsnipers. None but my war wrecked eyes
would have noted as my hand wentto my holster. Rodriguez stood in the
(17:41):
double doored main entrance. Ah,even you've made it. She was short
but trim, had wavy shoulder lengthbrown hair, fiery Columbian eyes, and
a confidence matched by brown designer slacks. Full of herself. As we entered
the cavernous home with rich ebony chairs, a sweeping staircase, persian rugs,
(18:03):
and polished lamps, a broken nosedkiller of a man confiscated my glock and
Boris's makarov. An army of armedguards lounging in leather recliners behind him.
Skipping the worthless small talk, Ethangot down to business. Miss Larson told
me, look, miss Mayer,we put Atlanta on the map. We
(18:23):
commercialized doctor Patel's research and made Georgiatech and the city fabulously wealthy in the
process. A message from Darren flashed, I'd read it later. Naked without
my pistol, I sized up theguards for weaknesses or potential weapons while they
eyeballed me. Statue stool. Bothwould work. Wouldn't be the first time
(18:47):
Ethan's acquaintances tried something. At leastthey'd underestimate me. The big ones always
did. Even there's an election comingup, Madriguez said. She didn't say
more cattie intentions lurking in murky yetobvious shadows to avoid scrutiny. When was
your last treatment, Ethan asked?Your howled? Numerically? Biologically, she
(19:14):
squirmed, eyes narrowing to years.I'm fifty five, she said, at
last, but thirty seven biologically,so you've done what three maybe four treatments?
A tense pause. Your businesses weresuccessful before being elected, not that
successful, though her fake eyes narrowed. It was no secret she'd profited from
(19:40):
her position. Tech companies had flockedto atlant at the past three decades,
so Ethan said, after a lengthystare down, what's it going to take?
The mayor smiled. Now we're talking, and they did about all manner
of under the table deals. Weleft as the mayor's people brought out tea
(20:03):
and crumpets. Ethan had no patiencefor niceties me either. The guards returned
our weapons as we left. Onthe vital I read Darren's message. He'd
be home late again too. Icalled Malia. Go to Ali's house.
His parents will be home. I'llhave Dad call. She'd like that.
Malia and Ali had been inseparable sinceAli's family fled the Reincarnation Revolts in Northern
(20:29):
India five years earlier. Ali's father, Pranav worked at Deedie I in R
and D, and we got togetherevery few week ends to grill or for
exotic Indian cuisine. Damn it,Ethan murmured to himself. We need to
stop by the lab. Gonzalez takeus down town, Yes, sir,
up front. Gonzalez pulled a oneeighty for the bustling city. He was
(20:53):
pointless. The vital flew fine onits own, but after that Luftwatha standoff
over German vat Always have a backupplan was Ethan's favorite motto. Ethan,
why'd the state insist on unannounced visits? Was Schmidt playing hardball or Rodriguez?
(21:15):
Omar could deal with this? DidI have to do everything myself? And
who the fuck forgot to dust?My nose twitched as the elevator rocketed to
the third floor showroom up ahead Omar'svoice, as you see, the place
is state of the art, onlythe best for our patients. We caught
(21:36):
the tour group at the sales lounges, dozens of prospects at ornate tables,
in action shot lined rooms discussing theirfutures, goals, and expectations. People
loved us, and unlike our lessscrupulous competitors, we had salesman and clientele
of every race and nationality. I'dmade sure boosted conversions eight percent. We
(22:00):
strode through psychologists designed rooms filled withbinaural buying beats, taking it in.
When can my daughter get on theweight list? Do you have bulk packages?
Is my fourth treatment covered? Oursalesmen handled the flood well faces,
calm smiles, wide but not toowide, commissioned greed never entering their eyes.
(22:25):
The regulators must have felt it too, and waved us on good.
We slipped into the overcrowded donor waitingroom, lying sneaking out the door.
You stole my spot. A tall, scraggly man grabbed the disheveled lady in
front of him and threw her tothe floor. Wait your damned turn.
I need the money now, myson, shut it, lady. Another
(22:48):
snapped, we all need the cash. The guard at the door stepped forward
and yanked the pathetic woman to herfeet, dragging her out under a minute.
No blood, not bad. Passingautomatic doors, we reached one way
glass offices, barren by comparison,cheap I keya furniture, whitewashed walls,
(23:10):
and piles of prospective donor cards.A twenty something salesman with short blonde hair
was showing the curly redhead a holographicchart. Donor packages are running twenty nine
thousand for Anglo Saxons. He pointedto the graf's peak. It's a great
offer. He ruffled a six inchstack, at least two thirds of which
(23:30):
were faked to increase urgency. Beforesaying sorry, I can't guarantee the price
beyond today, she dabbed hopeless eyes. I need the money my kids.
I know exactly how you feel.He jumped into our analysts scripted spiel.
Fifteen years ago. My mom madethe same choice. The woman broke down
(23:55):
sobbing. I'll do it. Iwanted to pump myst I loved a good
clothes and five grand below market price. KI was good, but he'd never
touch my fifteen in a day recordthe suit's left to find Lena and review
company numbers later. I'd blow thedusty trio away at the leaf my new
(24:19):
project. I had a reputation touphold, five Michelin stars and Atlanta's number
one restaurant ranking five years running.Why settle for second? Be the change
you want to see in the world. That's something I strive towards and foul
towards every single day. If youenjoyed this podcast, if you think the
(24:40):
world could benefit from conversations like this, the greatest compliment you can give us
is referring to the disruptors to afriend are talking about us on social media.
Please take thirty seconds to do so, it would mean the world to
us and if we're lucky, helpus build towards a better world. Thanks
so much for listening, Thanks somuch for helping us spread the message,
and have a great day. Youhave been listening to Death Donor by Matt
(25:00):
Ward. For more information, Topurchase the complete audio adventure, or to
download the entire techno thriller free witha free trial of audible, visit deathdoonor
dot com. If you want moreof the Disruptors, you can subscribe to
the podcast on iTunes or go todisruptors dot fm, where you'll find tons
(25:22):
of audio and video interview stories withleaders in the fields of genetics, cryptocurrency,
longevity, AI, space, VR, and much much more. You
can also follow me on Twitter atMatt Ward IL. If you enjoyed the
show, please leave a quick reviewon iTunes at Disruptors dot fm slash iTunes
to help more people discover the podcastand help us make a bigger impact.
Welcome to the Disruptors, the podcastabout the future of all of us,
where we look at the technologies,trends, and societal norms shaping our collective
future. Here, the world's topminds share their insights and predictions on the
convergence, direction and ethics of exponentialtechnologies transforming life as we know it.
You can learn more and stay upto date at Disruptors dot fm. Mere
(00:26):
Money Press presents Death Donor by MattWard. More information on the author at
matt Wardwrights dot com. To purchasethe complete audio adventure, or to download
the entire techno thriller free with afree trial of audible, visit deathdnor dot
com. Today's episode is brought toyou guys by bit trust. Do you
(00:49):
want to add bitcoin to your retirementaccount? Do you think cryptocurrencies are going
going, going somewhere special? Ifyou think that bitcoin really has a potential
and you want to get involved inthe space, the world of cryptocurrency can
be confusing. How do you getinvolved? That's the question so many people
have. But you can diversify yourportfolio, get into crypto investments and more
by checking out bit Trustira dot com, Slash Disruptors. They can help you
(01:14):
seamlessly add cryptocurrency, store the privatekeys in nuclear bunkers with military grade protection,
and they've got the lowest trading feesin the industry. Make sure you
guys check them out. Bit trustIra dot com slash Disruptors, that's dis
rup Trs, and for a limitedtime, they're waiving the sign up fee
a fifty dollar value just for signingup, checking them out, and putting
(01:38):
Bitcoin and other awesome cryptocurrencies into yourretirement account. Want to diversify a little
bit with some digital gold. Bittrust ira dot com slash Disruptors for more
details. And now let's get backto the episode. Mike, here we
go again. Let's get this overwith. Come in the door opened and
(02:00):
into my anything but ornate office.Strode Megan Larson the third time in as
many weeks. Confident as always,long legs propelled the CrossFit forged Burnette passed
a wide mouthed owens at the doorand towards my cluttered desk, her poisonous
brown eyes sizing me up, tallcasual black armoni and high cheekbones with just
(02:23):
the right amount of makeup. Nodoubt from her various stylists or high profile
clientele. How have you been,senator? Have you considered our offer?
There was something about her attacking andinviting all at once, a pitball.
I wasn't sure I should pet.You're back already, she smiled, still
(02:44):
standing. We both know how importantthis deal is. You are coming up
for reelection next year, and Ihear the mayor is considering your seat.
And you want me to sell mysoul and take DDI money to beat that
corrupt rat of a woman and beyour marionette. That it. It was
a game to these dirtbag lobbyists.I wasn't perfect, not by any means,
(03:09):
asked my ex wife, if youhad twenty minutes to kill, But
thank god I never became a lobbyist. Look, miss Larson, take a
seat. I gestured to the straightbacked mahogany chair facing my simple wooden desk.
What do you want? Her penciledbrows twitched without so much as a
(03:30):
wrinkle. We are looking to bringjobs back to your home state, right
in Atlanta. But Boston and Torontoare offering generous tax breaks, and DDI
has its shareholders to consider. Ididn't respond, letting silence work for me
the polls don't look good, shesaid, At last, our people have
(03:52):
run the numbers. I'm sure yourshave as well. She was right,
Rodriguez was up ten points since we'dfailed to ray minimum wage. Georgians were
struggling and the economy was always makeor break. What do you want?
I asked? You need funding anda few headline photo apps. We can
(04:12):
make that happen. She outlined termsand what they could offer before leaving.
Did she think I was that crooked? Next meeting shit the Christian Life Group.
They'd lost that battle years ago.The executive fleet Tesla pulled into my
high rises, reinforced guard, patrolledunderground bunker. It had been a long
(04:36):
day. Everyone wanted something, Taxthe rich, tax the poor. Why
aren't we spending more on the military? Healthcare, education reform? What had
happened to that naive kid from Syracuselooking to change the system? When had
I become so cynical? At leastwe weren't in session. Senate cats were
(04:58):
a whole nother matter. Asses tightenough to uncork Mere Low as they slayed
you for dessert sir? Are youokay? It was Reggie Owens, the
tall black bodyguard who'd been at myside since my election holding the door,
Had I been daydreaming? I chuckled, Fine wredge one of those days?
And how many times do I haveto tell you call me Mike? He
(05:23):
smiled as we headed for the lift. At least one more, sir.
Everyone in the building was vetted andunder constant surveillance, pools, gems,
and ten thousand square foot gardens protectedby AI and facial recognition. The elevator
opened to my favorite song, LiveLike You Were Dying, and whisked us
(05:44):
to forty five. We got offand followed plush carpeting into my empty apartment.
Dang, it had been ages sinceI'd seen Anne, my one neighbor.
I've been wanting to ask her outfor a while. I kicked off
loafers on the brown welcome home mattAva had picked out but never taken,
sighing, None of this was mystuff, not really. Between secretaries,
(06:10):
assistants and Ava, everything about thisput together apartment had a touch too much
class. At least I decorated thepad in DC and house in Syracuse myself,
so they weren't as lonely starving.I headed for the kitchen, glad
for heated tile. You hungry,I yelled. Reggie grunted approval. What
(06:32):
did we have today? Tupperware linedthe stainless steel fridge eight options. Larry,
You're a godsend. He must havestalked up. I stuck the cultured
bison with wild grains into my multipurpose oven sneaking a few chocolate covered almonds
while waiting. Waistline be damned waiting. I replayed the day in my head
(06:56):
to ignore the antique kitchen table,which haunted me with memory of making love
to my ex wife. It'd bea fight with Rodriguez this November. She'd
done a phenomenal job turning around downtowncrime, poverty, unemployment. Was this
the year to call it quits?My chip buzzed call coming in. I
(07:18):
tapped my temple and an overlay appeared, activating my internal headphones. It was
Jamie. Hey, Dad, how'sit going? She looked so much like
her mother, the same fiery browneyes, uncontrolled yet gorgeous hair, and
turned up nose up to no good. Hey, Jame, I was school,
(07:38):
I missed. You can't wait forthis weekend? I had it all
planned out? Yeah, Dad,about that, she said, not again?
It had been three weeks since we'dhad a weekend at my place.
Mom thought her and I could goto Rome. It's the last summer before
my apprenticeship in all, and I'vealways wanted ever since that cheesy heist movie.
(08:01):
She talked about going relegated again.I swallowed hard. Rome will be
great, Jane, I had alwayscalled her Jamee. Ava hated it.
When that's the best part. Dad, we'll be there a month for summer,
authentic as it gets. I nodded, doing my best to mask the
crushing blow. But even we politicianshave tells. Jamie's eyes clouded. You're
(08:28):
disappointed, aren't you, she asked, No, honey, it's great.
You'll learn a ton and we'll hangout when you're back before your Google Life
internship. I forced a smile awhole month without her. Dad, you're
the best, Mum, knew you'dsay yes. Of course she did.
The selfish bitch. Jamie had togo. Not long after, Ava had
(08:52):
decided to eat out to celebrate,no thought for anyone else but herself and
the little girl who was everything toher. Nothing had changed, damn it.
Ava another lonely night, a fewmeetings. The following morning, senators
and congressmen fighting for bipartisan support onthis and that half were on de Deay's
(09:15):
doll or Google's. There was somuch money in corporate finance. Dad had
railed against it, growing up rootof all evil. He was right.
I'd seen a lot in the yearssince beating Joe Porter. He'd been the
NRA A sponsored favorite, and methe unknown upstart. He was conservative and
me liberal, an upstate New Yorkimplant who'd witnessed enough inner city violence to
(09:41):
ban weapons outright talk about unpopular,especially in Georgia. But knocking up a
coked up underage girl and Christian normsdid the rest. The upstanding voters sent
me packing to d c in overmy head. I'd come a long way
on the ride, I called myex wife, big mistake, Ava Roam.
(10:07):
Really, come on, Mike,Jamie's wanted to go since freshman year,
and we could have gone any pointssince. You could have asked,
not that you ever did. Sherolled a practiced eye. You are too
busy for your family ten years ago. Why is to day different? At
least it's not a birthday you're missingthis time? Ouch, low blow.
(10:31):
I clenched my teeth when do youleave. I want to see her Sunday,
she replied, without acknowledging my request. Shit two days not cool.
I'll pick her up tonight around seven. I don't know. Damn it,
Ava, I snapped, therapist's advice. Be damned, I want to see
(10:52):
my daughter. I'll be there atseven. I hung up and sighed,
just another day as divorced dad.Even politicians had shit for rights ethan three
more reps, Sir, Boris shouted. I arched my back into the hard
(11:13):
bench, inching the bar off myheaving chest. Four five. The barbell
froze midway three hundred fifteen pounds,bearing down as Boris towered over me.
Won't help, No, don't quit. Google wouldn't sl I either, and
(11:35):
this would be a new personal best. What doesn't kill you? The bar
descended. Push damn it. Youshould have been able to save Bobby,
don't, I snarled, I gotit. The bar thudded on my chest
and Boris ripped it on to waitinghooks. My eyes snapped open. I
said, I had it. Iknow, sir, but you are going
(11:58):
to don't say die. My armsshivered. Never say die, I hated
that word. Boris knew not toargue. After an ice bath and ultra
violet sauna, I showered and suitedup Nike's in a blue Lacoste T shirt.
Perks of being CEO footsteps. Howis your night, I asked,
(12:22):
fine, Sir. Jones took upposition in the kitchen's roman arches, furtive,
sunken eyes, never settling her backnormally west point ramrod straight, slouched
in the door frame. Sure everythingis okay, I asked. Didn't look
like it, she sighed, Mumstuff home late last night. Nothing to
(12:43):
worry about, Sir. Some jobsrequired more sacrifice, and I paid more
than enough considering how many unemployed soldiersand bodyguards there were. She'd get over
it. Sipping exotic crude, Jonesand I discussed day's schedule before walking the
soundproof bunker hallway to the main liftwalls lined with the best security money could
(13:07):
buy. A boy scout was alwaysprepared, cheese boy Scouts. It had
been ages since moms stepped up aspack leader, organizing camping trips, code
academies. It's everything. She didn'tgive a damn how the other dads looked
at her. Her Ethan deserved areal childhood could for nothing. Father be
damned Legal and HR waited as thecoral line to heady room doors opened.
(13:33):
The call came in at seven am. Sharp Ethiopian and Croatian offices materializing
above the driftwood table. What's thesaddest of our permits and facilities? Deardre,
I asked, despite knowing the answerslower than expected. Croatians are putting
up rep tape like its Christmas.Could be three E fighting for their turf,
(13:54):
or perhaps Asia. We need thosefucking bodies, I snapped, to
get everyone's attention. Sometimes it tooka well timed f bomb to get down
to business. Do whatever it takes. I want a donor pipeline by Q
one next year and a full blownfacility in Zagreb by Q three. Could
(14:15):
you do that? She promised,Same thing with Ethiopia, albeit faster and
a better price. The Ethiopian governmentwas holding on by a thread, desperate
for jobs and tax revenue. Today'sepisode is brought to you, guys by
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otis dot Com slash Disruptor for moredetails. Sam back to Back Travel was
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rare. Boris gave the all clearsign and we hopped from the company.
V toll to the second story ivycover landing pad of Mayor Rodriguez's four acre
estate. Ethan had warned me ofanother late night. At least Darren hadn't
read me his bloody riot Act.Blunt with his department head to talk funding
proposals. Never enough to go around. Two thick necked Brits sporting scowls and
(17:18):
MP fives led us pass pristine greeneryto a disguised lift with palatial views of
the willed manner compound. Servant quarterssat on either side of the main with
fountains, searchlights, and four concealedsnipers. None but my war wrecked eyes
would have noted as my hand wentto my holster. Rodriguez stood in the
(17:41):
double doored main entrance. Ah,even you've made it. She was short
but trim, had wavy shoulder lengthbrown hair, fiery Columbian eyes, and
a confidence matched by brown designer slacks. Full of herself. As we entered
the cavernous home with rich ebony chairs, a sweeping staircase, persian rugs,
(18:03):
and polished lamps, a broken nosedkiller of a man confiscated my glock and
Boris's makarov. An army of armedguards lounging in leather recliners behind him.
Skipping the worthless small talk, Ethangot down to business. Miss Larson told
me, look, miss Mayer,we put Atlanta on the map. We
(18:23):
commercialized doctor Patel's research and made Georgiatech and the city fabulously wealthy in the
process. A message from Darren flashed, I'd read it later. Naked without
my pistol, I sized up theguards for weaknesses or potential weapons while they
eyeballed me. Statue stool. Bothwould work. Wouldn't be the first time
(18:47):
Ethan's acquaintances tried something. At leastthey'd underestimate me. The big ones always
did. Even there's an election comingup, Madriguez said. She didn't say
more cattie intentions lurking in murky yetobvious shadows to avoid scrutiny. When was
your last treatment, Ethan asked?Your howled? Numerically? Biologically, she
(19:14):
squirmed, eyes narrowing to years.I'm fifty five, she said, at
last, but thirty seven biologically,so you've done what three maybe four treatments?
A tense pause. Your businesses weresuccessful before being elected, not that
successful, though her fake eyes narrowed. It was no secret she'd profited from
(19:40):
her position. Tech companies had flockedto atlant at the past three decades,
so Ethan said, after a lengthystare down, what's it going to take?
The mayor smiled. Now we're talking, and they did about all manner
of under the table deals. Weleft as the mayor's people brought out tea
(20:03):
and crumpets. Ethan had no patiencefor niceties me either. The guards returned
our weapons as we left. Onthe vital I read Darren's message. He'd
be home late again too. Icalled Malia. Go to Ali's house.
His parents will be home. I'llhave Dad call. She'd like that.
Malia and Ali had been inseparable sinceAli's family fled the Reincarnation Revolts in Northern
(20:29):
India five years earlier. Ali's father, Pranav worked at Deedie I in R
and D, and we got togetherevery few week ends to grill or for
exotic Indian cuisine. Damn it,Ethan murmured to himself. We need to
stop by the lab. Gonzalez takeus down town, Yes, sir,
up front. Gonzalez pulled a oneeighty for the bustling city. He was
(20:53):
pointless. The vital flew fine onits own, but after that Luftwatha standoff
over German vat Always have a backupplan was Ethan's favorite motto. Ethan,
why'd the state insist on unannounced visits? Was Schmidt playing hardball or Rodriguez?
(21:15):
Omar could deal with this? DidI have to do everything myself? And
who the fuck forgot to dust?My nose twitched as the elevator rocketed to
the third floor showroom up ahead Omar'svoice, as you see, the place
is state of the art, onlythe best for our patients. We caught
(21:36):
the tour group at the sales lounges, dozens of prospects at ornate tables,
in action shot lined rooms discussing theirfutures, goals, and expectations. People
loved us, and unlike our lessscrupulous competitors, we had salesman and clientele
of every race and nationality. I'dmade sure boosted conversions eight percent. We
(22:00):
strode through psychologists designed rooms filled withbinaural buying beats, taking it in.
When can my daughter get on theweight list? Do you have bulk packages?
Is my fourth treatment covered? Oursalesmen handled the flood well faces,
calm smiles, wide but not toowide, commissioned greed never entering their eyes.
(22:25):
The regulators must have felt it too, and waved us on good.
We slipped into the overcrowded donor waitingroom, lying sneaking out the door.
You stole my spot. A tall, scraggly man grabbed the disheveled lady in
front of him and threw her tothe floor. Wait your damned turn.
I need the money now, myson, shut it, lady. Another
(22:48):
snapped, we all need the cash. The guard at the door stepped forward
and yanked the pathetic woman to herfeet, dragging her out under a minute.
No blood, not bad. Passingautomatic doors, we reached one way
glass offices, barren by comparison,cheap I keya furniture, whitewashed walls,
(23:10):
and piles of prospective donor cards.A twenty something salesman with short blonde hair
was showing the curly redhead a holographicchart. Donor packages are running twenty nine
thousand for Anglo Saxons. He pointedto the graf's peak. It's a great
offer. He ruffled a six inchstack, at least two thirds of which
(23:30):
were faked to increase urgency. Beforesaying sorry, I can't guarantee the price
beyond today, she dabbed hopeless eyes. I need the money my kids.
I know exactly how you feel.He jumped into our analysts scripted spiel.
Fifteen years ago. My mom madethe same choice. The woman broke down
(23:55):
sobbing. I'll do it. Iwanted to pump myst I loved a good
clothes and five grand below market price. KI was good, but he'd never
touch my fifteen in a day recordthe suit's left to find Lena and review
company numbers later. I'd blow thedusty trio away at the leaf my new
(24:19):
project. I had a reputation touphold, five Michelin stars and Atlanta's number
one restaurant ranking five years running.Why settle for second? Be the change
you want to see in the world. That's something I strive towards and foul
towards every single day. If youenjoyed this podcast, if you think the
(24:40):
world could benefit from conversations like this, the greatest compliment you can give us
is referring to the disruptors to afriend are talking about us on social media.
Please take thirty seconds to do so, it would mean the world to
us and if we're lucky, helpus build towards a better world. Thanks
so much for listening, Thanks somuch for helping us spread the message,
and have a great day. Youhave been listening to Death Donor by Matt
(25:00):
Ward. For more information, Topurchase the complete audio adventure, or to
download the entire techno thriller free witha free trial of audible, visit deathdoonor
dot com. If you want moreof the Disruptors, you can subscribe to
the podcast on iTunes or go todisruptors dot fm, where you'll find tons
(25:22):
of audio and video interview stories withleaders in the fields of genetics, cryptocurrency,
longevity, AI, space, VR, and much much more. You
can also follow me on Twitter atMatt Ward IL. If you enjoyed the
show, please leave a quick reviewon iTunes at Disruptors dot fm slash iTunes
to help more people discover the podcastand help us make a bigger impact.
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