With everyone seated, the meeting began at nine am. Laura sat in one of the two chairs at the base while Eleanor sat on a chair on her far right and next to her was James Sullivan, the HOD of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department. On his left was Daria Benedetti, the HOD of the Paediatrics department. Eleanor looked at the three people that sitting on the opposite table. She sat across from William Burns the hospital attorney and seated next to him was Calvin Green, director of the OPTC. Completing the trio was Oliver Oakley, head of insurance at RMH.

So it's four doctors and three non-medical personnel .If we're all here then who's the extra chair for?

Once the introductions were over, Laura finally said, "Thank you all for coming today. Without wasting anymore of anyone's time, let's get started." On cue, her secretary moved from table to table handing out green coloured folders. Upon completion of her duties, she hastily exited the room and closed the door quietly behind her. Laura looked at Calvin Green and nodded slightly.

"We received word from the national registry that there may be some organs available for transplant. Most of the names at the top of the list are of individuals under our care therefore it's imperative that the recipients are in top physical and mental condition. I know this goes without saying but the most compatible individual usually becomes the recipient to minimize rejection and all the problems it comes with," said Calvin, drawing nods of agreement from the rest of the group.

Eleanor looked down at the folder in front of her. She hadn't opened it yet but it didn't take a rocket scientist to know what was contained within its pages: personal information, family histories of illnesses and deaths. The type of information you did not volunteer to just anybody. Although doctors were sworn to secrecy and confidentiality, everyone was made to sign a contract in a bid to show that everyone was an equal. A gesture that she believed did not fool anybody.

"To begin today's meeting, shall we turn to page three-," said Calvin before the door to the conference room burst open. A tall, smartly dressed man in a three-piece suit confidently strolled through the door. Laura's secretary followed him with a pained expression on her face. Eleanor noticed an ever so slight look of disgust appear on the face of Laura.

Who the hell is he?

Laura quickly dismissed her secretary for a second time before standing to introduce the interloper. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Zhang Wei. He is the CEO of Truss Industries which is not only a fortune 100 company but a major sponsor of our research programs among other things."

"I do apologize for my tardiness. I was wrapping up a business meeting that dragged on a little longer than it should have. Money doesn't make itself you know," said Zhang Wei, unbuttoning his jacket before taking his seat next to Laura.

What an insufferable piece of work.

"Please continue with the meeting and pretend that I'm not even here," said Zhang Wei with a sly smile across his face.

Laura reluctantly acquiesced to his request. The meeting went on peacefully with everyone agreeing on who would receive the available Liver, Kidney, Lung and Pancreas transplants. When the heart transplants came up for discussion, Eleanor saw a slight shift in the CEO's demeanour. She did not like it one bit.

"According to the test results we have here, six year old Rachael Doherty would be the best recipient for this heart transplant and her parents have raised the-," said Calvin before a forceful cough from Zhang Wei interrupted him.

"Is there a problem, Mr Zhang?"

"I know another person who would be a better recipient for that heart," said Zhang matter-of-factly.

"We went through all the names on the list and-"

"The person in question is not on the list. At least not yet anyway," said Zhang tersely.

"Plainly speaking there is somebody more 'important' who needs that heart," barked Eleanor, staring stonily towards Zhang.

"You catch on quick," said Zhang. "Our beloved founder, Leon Truss, was diagnosed with heart failure four months ago and his condition has steadily been deteriorating ever since. Even the best drugs money can buy have been unable to ease his discomfort."

"Are you telling me that his life is more important than hers?"

"That is the unfortunate reality of this world. The life of a secret service agent is not equal to the life of the president he has sworn to protect. Similarly what is the life of this six year old girl compared to the life of a man whose company puts food on the table for tens of thousands of people? A man whose company helps keep the economy running? A man whose money has done wonders for your health facility."

"What's the point of having rules and regulations if people are just going to do whatever they damn well please? This girl has been waiting for years for this and you want us to just give it all up for some-"

"I'd pick my next words very carefully if I were you," warned Zhang. He got up, buttoned his jacket and looked at his gold Dolex watch. "Dr Bailey, may I have a word with you?"

Laura and Zhang left the room. Everyone turned to Eleanor, who did nothing to hide her anger. The looks on their faces conveyed a uniform response of utter shock.

"You do know that he can get you fired at the drop of a hat, right?" said Calvin.

"I don't care. Someone had to stand up to that smug son of a bitch," roared Eleanor.