Josh drove Kip and Hunt toward Gabriel Matin’s home, following two New Orleans police detectives who were also accompanied by one of the Sommerstones’ nurses, Brigitte Mone. Kip spoke over the Bluetooth, “Titan, anything?”
“Unfortunately, yes. We got everything on tape. I played it one frame at a time. No plates on the car, tinted windows, and it picked up speed when Adelaide started to cross the street,” Tobey said. “And, Boss, it’s a match to the car that tapped Harper’s car.”
“Make a copy and make sure NOLA PD gets it,” Kip instructed.
“Mr. Parry backtracked. We have the blue car leaving the hospital after Harper’s. We are trying to clean up the films. I ordered all the hospital cameras replaced.”
“Thanks, Tobey. Any change on the storm?” Every executive had a monitor that played NOAA climate views.
“Yeah, the models are narrowing. More are predicting a direct hit.”
“Check in with Elin. See where we are on the evac plan. Schedule a meeting for all operations supervisors for 1900 on Monday.” Kip stared out the window.
“Roger and out,” Tobey said.
“Call Bean,” Kip said to the Bluetooth. “How we doing?”
“That class about violence in the workplace… I’m trying my best not to kill these cops,” Bruce huffed.
“What aren’t they doing?” Kip asked.
“I’ve got Striker repeating the entire crime scene analysis. We will have a clear picture in an hour. Kip, it looks purposeful. Also, the staff mentioned Adelaide had friction with Jerrold Sommerstone about not documenting care for three nursing home patients from yesterday. Get this: they were among the patients incinerated at the Manor. I’ve got a team searching for Jerrold. Hold a second.” There was a pause.
“Shit, Elin handed me the deep background check on Jerrold. In his senior year in high school and college, I guess yachting wasn’t enough. He belongs to the Southwest Louisiana region of the Sports Car Club of America. The bastard raced high performance vehicles.” Bruce cursed.
“I want him found. Now, play the nice host with the locals. Get the analysis of what happened. If they obstruct, they will relearn the meaning of consent decree when I pull the Homeland card. But we’ll try the sugary sweet approach first. Let them think we’re dumb. Is Coop nearby?”
“Yeah, here he is.”
“Bean just showed me the news about Jerrold,” Kyle grumbled.
“How’s Chantal?” Kip worried.
“She saw Harper. Casey told her to take a break, so I’ve got her sitting with Elin, helping her sort evacuees. Trying to keep her calm. She doesn’t look good. I’m worried about the baby,” Kyle’s voice cracked.
“Will she let you take her blood pressure?” Hunt chimed in.
“I hope so. She wouldn’t let Casey.” His voice was tight.
“Take it and call me back.” Hunt shook his head.
“Coop, keep me posted.” Kip ended the call and turned to Hunt. “What?”
“I pulled her chart. I’m breaking HIPPA, but I don’t want a dead patient and newborn. She’s showing signs of pre-eclampsia. Her current OB’s notes don’t show the urgency I would expect. His patient load was fifty patients per seven-hour shift. These are all medium- to high-risk patients.”
“Do we have the help to improve the level of care?” Kip asked.
“Yes, but it’s going to take time,” Hunt admitted. “I thought I could do this without help. Damn it, Kip, Pam kept me on task.”
“I’m sorry. Tell me what I can do to help you?” Kip asked his friend who was still mourning the death of his longtime scrub nurse and, more importantly, his partner. They’d been together since Bosnia.
“Short of raising the dead?” Hunt turned away.
The Bluetooth went off. “Hunt, her BP is 190/104. I’m here with her,” Kyle said.
“Can she hear me?” Hunt asked.
“I hear you,” Chantal said.
