Regardless of what Nick thought, Don was the expert. He claimed that the vaccine was too new and had been poorly tested. There were even reports of kids who had become paralyzed after taking the shot. As school principal, Nick had to put his children's safety first. He'd talked to the school's nurse, who assured him that vaccines are thoroughly tested. But given the experimental nature of the program and Don's opinion, he told the nurse to cancel the vaccination clinics. They would wait a year and then decide whether to allow them to resume.
That was three weeks ago. Now the drug company men were here at his home to change his mind. Nick prodded them. "What can you tell me about that boy in Cincinnati who got paralyzed after taking your vaccine?"
Good Cop smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, we heard about that. But it has nothing to do with our vaccine. The boy was sick before he got inoculated. Honestly, Mr. Veseli, our vaccine is perfectly safe."
That's not what Don tells me. He wished his brother was here to talk to these guys. Instead, he tried to explain his position. "I haven't rejected your vaccine completely. Our school nurse should have explained this to your company."
"Oh yes, we understand. But if you reject the program, it sets a bad precedent. Already, two other schools are about to pull out because of your reluctance. Do you know how much is at stake here?" He enumerated the benefits as he ticked off fingers on his hand. "Jobs, our investors, better health, medical science." He looked up at Nick. "My God, man! Think of the damage you could do to our wonderful new vaccine. You're single handedly stopping something of vital importance. That's why we need you to reconsider."
Bad Cop leaned closer. "And we need you to reconsider by Friday."
Nick snapped his head back. "You're threatening me?"
The muscle man looked hurt. "I never make threats." His pained look transformed into a scowl. "I make promises."
Nick was surprised to hear someone actually use that line. If it weren't for the fact that this thug was threatening school children, it would almost be laughable. The guy was classic.
Cardwell waved a hand to prevent any real trouble. "That's enough, Frank. Mr. Veseli understands us. Let's go." On his way out the door, he pointed to his card on the table. "Have your nurse call me when she is ready to restart the vaccine clinics."
Nick knew better than to engage these guys in any more discussion. Nothing he could say would sway them from their mission to get rich by vaccinating every child. And nothing they were saying reassured him at all. The vaccine was dangerous, and he would not allow it to be given to his children.