They settled back to normal humdrum subjects until they reached the office parking next to John. Arriving at the building they found that only Barry was in the office this early. Bronwyn went up to the apartment to change into her work outfit and John asked Janet if she could shepherd everyone upstairs as they arrived and make certain they had their mobile phones with them. Janet said she would use the cover of the upcoming arrival of the client representative as pretext for the meeting, and nobody went anywhere without a phone in their hand. They would discuss any work required to the apartment as the reason for meeting up there.
John went upstairs to wait for arrivals and asked Bronwyn if she could organise some drinks up here from the office supplies. Bronwyn agreed and left on her errand, she even managed some fresh pastries from their usual cafe down the road. It was ready by the time the entire staff were in the unit. As each staff member arrived John asked a favour to check their phones, telling them there had been a hack attempt reported to him. Nobody said no although they become curious when John forestalled any further discussion until everyone had arrived. They had an informal breakfast discussing various minor things over coffee and pastries. John was especially pleased that they were all here as there were so many days when someone was working out of the office.
After downing the last of his pastry and coffee he got their attention, "Thank you for coming up here this morning, I realise this is unusual but there has been some abnormal things occurring lately and you need a fuller explanation. I will go through some personal things regarding my health problems that have a direct bearing on the reason for this meeting. Please bear with me and hopefully I can explain it enough. I have said some things to each of you about my condition but I will go through a full description so I know you all have the information.
"A month ago I had an injection of testosterone as my body was not producing enough. As it turns out the serum used was contaminated and it caused some major changes in my body. After the first time in hospital I found out what treatment was necessary to maintain a normal life. Unfortunately the problem worsened and I returned to the hospital for a second time. This was partly due to the condition getting progressively worse, but also because I had not acted on the warning signs in time. I am much better armed against that now and hopefully will not go through that again.
"I and the other men affected by the faulty medicine are suing the company. I also believe the government is pursuing some type of action as well, but I have no direct knowledge of where that is at. Now it seems the pharmaceutical company that produces the serum is a dirty player and they are trying to find out whatever they can do wheedle out of the court action. They have employed private investigators to monitor my actions, lets call it spying. They have managed to place listening devices in the hospital room I was in, my home, car and also in this office."
There was a general rumble of voices as this last part sank in, amidst some faces turning red and angry. Before they could get worse I put my hand up to quieten everybody and continued.
"I have the assistance of a top line security consultant working with me and he can carry out any service required for protection. These bugs had been placed only at the reception counter and in my office. We had the entire office and this apartment inspected last night and so we know exactly what is being used and where it is."
Greg asked, "How did they get these things in the office?"
John answered, "On Tuesday they came in with fake identification from the cleaning company to do an inspection."
Barry dropped his head and groaned, "Oh shit, that was my fault. Damn, I should"
John cut him off, "No Barry it was not your fault, there ID was good and nobody could guess we would have espionage occurring here. It will however bring about some changes in the future, but that is for another day. They timed their visit precisely as both Janet and Bronwyn were out of the office together, they would possibly have known the visit wasn't kosher.
"Continuing on, the consultant we have will be coming in for what we will call our regular security visit. He will officially find the devices and dispose of them. His name is Matt and he owns Strongun Securities but will be working through our usual firm we use for normal security items. We will also take the opportunity to update the computer network systems for better hacking security."
Barry spoke up, "I have met Matt before, he is a computer and security genius. But he sure looks like a computer geek, a puff of wind would blow him around."
Bronwyn said, "I think you may have trouble recognising him now. You will find he has changed a little bit."
John continued, "Until Matt has cleared our offices I ask you all to be careful in what you say. They are listening to get something on me not the business, but I would not put it past them to use something if they think money could be earned. We do deal with proprietary information and several companies who take security very seriously. I think provided you are not in the same room as the bug normal voices should be okay. And your phones are clear, and the tester also uploaded additional protection to your phones," and agreement was made by all to being careful in the office.
Barry then asked a further question, "John I know you mentioned in the past some of your health problems but I am not really sure what you are having a problem with. Can you give us more information, unless you would rather not. No worries to me if not, but I was curious and I think the others are as well."
This comment started a round of nodding heads of which Greg noticed only three heads moved. He got to thinking that only Barry, Paula and himself were showing any obvious curiosity. He knew that John and Linda were very close to Janet outside the office so it stands to reason she may know more than them, but he could not fathom how Bronwyn would know anything.
Greg spoke up, "John I think we should tell you that we are more than just wondering as there has been some speculation in the office. Just rumours mind you and it doesn't only involve those of us here now, oh and our wives as well, they are worse than us," the last said with a grin, "but I think we need to know something so we can just go forward from here. Clients have asked, but I would not pass any personal information to them. It is just that we also saw some news reports that popped up the first time you went to hospital. This could be coincidence,but it makes us wonder."
Greg did not miss John's glance toward Janet and her small nod in return. Barry and Paula also noticed the exchange between the two. The three also noticed that Bronwyn was not reacting at all.
"I just have to say that it is a very personal thing and not something normally talked about in public. But you are correct in one thing that I should fill you in, because I have a feeling I can guess what your speculation is based upon. From what I know this can be misinterpreted," and he glanced toward Bronwyn making her blush. Again this exchange was noticed, as there were only a few people in the room with all their attention toward one person.
"Let me grab another coffee and I will take a minute to form how I can tell you some things."
As he made to move Janet was quickly grabbing the coffee pot and poured him a cup as Bronwyn passed a pastry to him. He thanked them and quietly thought to himself as he ate and drank. The others remained silent to give him space to think without disturbance. They were very curious as they had heard many noises and voices during lunchtimes coming from his office. Firstly when Linda had been abnormally visiting him every day, and then Janet was in there when Linda did not come. Muted sounds could be heard amidst the occasional louder sound.
John finished his deliberations and whispered to Janet, "I do not want to involve you in this but I think they are guessing that we have been up to something in my office all those lunchtimes. We did get a little loud at times despite how hard we tried."
"John, I am a big girl and I do not believe anyone here would hold anything against either you or me for what we have needed to do. Remember this is real medical treatment for your health, regardless of our feelings and emotions. We cannot stop it and I would walk out that door now if I had to choose between you and my job here. You are much too important to me. I am certain Bronwyn feels the same, but see if you can keep her involvement quiet for the time being. She is young despite how mature she seems."
John nodded in agreement and thanked her for the advice and turned to the others, "Okay, sorry for the silence and whispers but my problems involve other people and I must be careful not to embarrass anyone. I know I do not have to say this but please do not speak of this to anyone else, well Greg, Barry you can tell Harriet and Karen. But they must not pass anything on because, apart from potential embarrassment to others, there is a pending lawsuit involved."
Barry, Greg and Paula each spoke up to say they would remain quiet about this. They each knew John fairly well and he was liked a lot by them and there was no way they would want him or his wife Linda hurt.
