“Show me,”Kip said to Bruce.
“It’s not painted, but it’s strong and built to code. I had them protect the new and any existing power cords coming down from above. I also had two pumps installed on the flat portions of the roof.
“The generator went on and ran. I’m sure you saw the sandbags, and the combat rubber raiding craft are placed around the hospital, the back of our building and the warehouses.” Bruce raised his brow. “I’m sorry about Harper.”
“Thanks.” Kip chewed his inner lip. He was digging deep for composure.
Inside his office, he closed the door. Looking out the window at the beautiful sunny day, the calm before the storm, he rested his forehead against the glass, a shudder running through him. When he closed his eyes, his body ached, but he could see her lying beneath him, her face filled with pleasure.Love.Was it possible it was real?
He shook off the thought when there was a knock on the door. Kip opened it to find Zayne Wentworth standing there supported by crutches. “May I come in?”
Kip signaled yes with his hand. “How’s the foot?”
“It will heal. Boss, I’m…” Zayne crutched in as he spoke.
Kip shook his head. “You did your job. I spoke with Thorn. You followed protocol. What happened?”
“I’m not sure. The woman with the black hair left.” He went through everything step by step. “She was amazing. She reminded me about the girls—a baby and a toddler. If she hadn’t said anything, by the time Thorn got to the scene to check in, it would’ve been too late. I got tunnel vision. That was a tactical error.” Zayne looked at his feet. “It was a major error when I missed the gunshot wound.”
“She wasn’t on scene that long. We can’t go back on our mistakes,” Kip said.
“I did get a picture of the woman.” Zayne handed Kip his phone. “Rich is working on finding an ID.”
“Good.”
“Boss, what’s going to happen to the girls?” Zayne worried.
“I’m not sure. We need to track next of kin, see if anyone wants them.” Kip shrugged.
“Do you think Matin was involved?” Zayne asked.
“Unfortunately, yes, and maybe Adelaide too. In the meantime, find Brigitte Mone. Put her in the box. I want Noah and you; see what she says,” Kip ordered.
Zayne chuckled. “Two old teammates united again. If we get anything, I’ll let you know.”
“We’re good, Zayne.” Kip didn’t stand.
Zayne gave him the standard Chase Security two-finger salute and left.
Kip ran the 1900 hours meeting with all essential employee supervisors. Everyone seemed prepared. All had multiple levels of communication, including SAT phones. Kip provided them with the Coast Guard, National Guard and city agency numbers. He also went through the chain of command.
The 2100 hours meeting was more difficult. He still hadn’t heard an update about Harper’s condition. “Rich, we will start with you.”
“Greta beat down the Bahamas this morning and is intensifying over the northwest gulf as we speak. It should strike the Florida coast around 0500. It will bounce back into the gulf, intensifying and striking along the coast, likely around Gulfport and New Orleans around 2300 Wednesday. Hitting in the darkness is the worst possible time. National Guard is called up everywhere in its path. Our assets are already on alert.” Rich sounded glum.
“At the emergency preparedness meeting, we learned the only real improvements are the levees. The power grid is above ground and weak. Evacuation of nursing homes to high ground on paper looks improved, but there are no records of any drills. University and us are as prepared as we can be, short of putting us on pilings. I met privately with their CEO. He doesn’t see us as competition but wants to discuss sharing resources when this is over.
“The city has multiple smaller sites ready for evacuees. But the Superdome remains on their list. And, yes, I know it’s not called the Superdome anymore. Bean?”
“Repairs are complete. Boats are in place. Generators, water pumps are functioning. Fans that run on battery or generator are available to all patient areas. Fuel, gasoline, diesel, and propane are available and in as safe storage as possible. Radio check scheduled for 0900.”
“Tag?”
“Security staff is prepared and assigned. All will bed down at assigned spots effective 2100. Inventory stored at twice par on each unit. Each warehouse has two par. A big issue after Katrina was looting. Floors one and two of the building and the hospital will have all windows boarded up. Cameras are repaired or replaced.”
“Wes?”
“All refrigeration and laundry can operate on generator power. Stoves function on gas with attachments for portable tanks. Evacuation of non-essential staff and families has begun through the branch’s assets.”
