“Thank you,” she said.
“For?” Kip asked.
“You seem to care. You’re not a snake oil salesman.” She headed back down the hall.
“I’m hearing that a lot,” Thom offered.
Kip explained about the window protection. “Sorry to block the sunshine. A memo will be coming out about supplies. Make sure you have enough to get through Wednesday plus five days.”
Kip received the same comments on each floor. Next, they headed to the women’s health center. Bruce split off to spot-check his team’s work and drop the hurricane gates on the exterior windows.
Hunt sat at Rene Sommerstone’s former desk as operators packed up the office. “Tell me what is wrong with people?”
“You’re the doctor; aren’t you the one to figure that out?” Kip asked.
“I met with the physicians working here at 0600. They all had worries about short staffing, low or non-existent supplies, and a whole bunch of care issues. No one said anything. I’ve arranged for CME courses. Sam is collating licenses and certificates, and each doc will have one of our nurses as a leash. They’ll renew BLS, ACLS and PALS. I started a chart review. Let’s put it this way: a lot of substandard care. As for non-substandard care, Harper is stable. She’s still out, but her temp is normalizing.”
Kip nodded. “Thanks. Let me know what you need. I’m going around the unit. We have reason to believe her accident was deliberate.”
Hunt cocked his head. “Damn. Any Sommerstone sightings?”
“Negative.” Kip walked out into the corridor. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please? This morning, one of your colleagues, Harper Rousselle, sustained injuries in a serious accident.”
“Is she alright? Where is she?” a woman with short black hair wearing cranberry scrubs asked.
“She’s in the health center upstairs in serious but stable condition. Hi, I’m Kip Brennan.”
“The boss.” She dipped her chin. “Adelaide Matin. You called her sister? God, I hope it was only an accident.”
“Why do you say that?” Kip asked.
“Jerrold Sommerstone—he’s possessive of Harper. He…they—” Adelaide was cut off by one of the nursing assistants.
“Addy, do you want me to get the food while you gab?” the NA asked.
“Mr. Brennan, I’ll be right back if you need to ask me anything else. Just know, Jerrold Sommerstone hurt Harper before.” Addy headed to get the food.
Josh waved to him. “Uh oh, got caught escaping,” Kip said to Bruce, who’d rejoined him. Kip left the floor, taking Josh with him.
Josh said, “The sign people are here. They are holding the big sign installation until after the storm, but they want you to sign off on the names on the glass.”
“Let’s go see.” Kip raised his hand and crossed his fingers.
Outside the front of the building, Kip tipped his head. The large gold lettering on the door readChase Security International and Chase Care. Below, in smaller lettering, it readChase Care Women’s Health Center and Chase Medical. “Wow, spelling is correct.”
“Hey, a positive,” Bruce said.
Kip stepped off the curb to shoot a picture and send it to Martin Bailey, Kieran, and Ian Chase. Sweat covered his, Bruce’s and Josh’s brows from the heat and humidity. “Any word on Mike’s arrival here?”
“He’s on another video conference. You’re safe for a few more minutes.” Bruce laughed.
Kip joined in his laughter. “Um, you went to the fire without your bodyguard. We’re both screwed.”
Adelaide stepped off the curb on the other side of the street carrying two large shopping bags in each hand. Kip began walking to meet her so he could help and ask her more about Jerrold Sommerstone and Harper.
Out of nowhere, a blue car raced around the corner. Josh managed to throw himself at Kip, knocking him hard to the ground. Bruce couldn’t get to Adelaide in time. She was thrown onto the hood and bounced to the pavement with a hideous thud.
He knelt beside her. After checking her vitals and seeing her condition, he removed his jacket and covered her.
