“Let me. I’m off. Who knows what you’ll run into at the hospital.”
He put his arm around her shoulders. “A meeting with Sandra. She ducked the one this afternoon.”
She curled her legs beside her. “Do you think it’s wise to let her know?”
“The supervisors have been informed. They’ll tell her. Most of them are convinced she’ll soon be D.O.N.” His fingers lightly massaged her arm.
Jenessa rested her hands on his shoulders. “If that happens, half the staff will quit.”
“I’m not sure she cares, not while Bishop’s backing her. Maybe I’ll skip the talk with her and bring the matter to the Board meeting.”
“That’s a great idea. If the doctors on the Board react the way I think they will, dear Sandra will be running back to MASHCO.”
“Not before I visit them on Wednesday. I bet she’ll twist the situation to her advantage.”
“And she might succeed.”
“Then we’ll hope Bishop explodes.” Jenessa chuckled.
“You think that’s funny?” Eric asked.
“I was remembering the way he carried on this afternoon. He charged into ICU waving the letter from our lawyer. I thought he was going to blow a major vessel and I’d end up being his nurse since I had the empty bed.”
He pulled her closer. “How are you handling Tommy’s death?”
“I’m tough.”
“I know you are, but the whole scene must have brought some painful memories.”
She nodded. “And put them in perspective.”
“How so?”
“Since Chuck died, I’ve wallowed in guilt.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“If you want to listen.”
He lifted her onto his lap. “I’m interested in everything about you.” His hands stroked her hair. She felt him tug on the elastic band.
“Our marriage was falling apart. Funny how you can know a person forever and not know him at all. I wanted to buy a house, have a baby, work part-time. All he needed was his Harley and a camera. I supported us. When he sold pictures, he bought meters, lenses, film.”
She pressed her hands together. “He started taking money from our savings account to support his love. I reacted badly.”
“You had a right.”
“He was an artist.” Eric’s hands moved along her back, bringing comfort and sending flickers of passion along her nerves.
“And that made it right for you to support him?”
She stared at the floor. How could she answer that question? Until she’d wanted to start a family, she hadn’t questioned Chuck’s desires. “The Gazette offered him a job as a staff photographer. The night he died, we fought about his refusal to consider the job. He wanted to tour the States on his bike and for me to send him money when he needed it. He stormed off and had the accident.”
“Just like a spoiled child.” Eric shifted her until she faced him. “You weren’t at fault.”
She nodded. “Maybe a little, but not enough to sit in the freezer for the rest of my life.’
He freed her hair from the braid and combed through the strands with his fingers. “You’re definitely not a freezer dweller.”
She moved until she straddled him. “I feel more like a firebird.” She sighed. “He called me greedy and selfish.” She captured Eric’s lower lip with her teeth and gently nibbled. Her hands moved along his chest with growing urgency. He growled. “I like greedy.”
Their lips met. The soft texture of his sweater seduced her hands. He swelled against her. Her hands slid beneath his sweater and caressed his pectorals and felt his nipples tighten the way hers had. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but drowning in the sensations raised by his kiss and touch was all she could do.
The door banged against the wall. Jenessa raised her head. Megan strolled past the couch. “Sorry, guys. I’m on my way to bed. Continue what you’re doing.”
Jenessa felt her cheeks flame and the heat rushed like a wild fire down to her toes. “We were just saying good night.”
Megan laughed. “Lord, I’d like to see the way you say good morning. We could fry eggs in here.” She walked to the hall. “See you.”
Though Jenessa tried to get up, Eric held her in place. “Don’t move until we’re sure she’s gone. Want to take a walk?”
“Where?”
“Downstairs.”
She wiggled out of his embrace. “Sounds like a good idea. We’ll continue our exploration of the hospital and its problems.”
He followed her to the door. “Right after we explore the things you do to me.”
*****
At five the next afternoon, Jenessa carried a casserole of chicken curry and a dish of saffron rice to Eric’s apartment. Using the key he’d given her that morning, she entered and walked to the kitchen. The strategies they’d meant to plan last evening had burned in the fire storm of passion. Before the Board meeting and the gathering of the union team, they had to plan how they would handle a number of possible scenarios; Eric’s forced resignation, Bishop pushing the Board into selling the hospital, a lock-out to keep the nurses from their jobs, a strike by the nurses. She put the food in the oven to keep it warm and made a salad.
As she bent to stir the curry, Eric strode into the kitchen. “Smells good.”
She straightened and turned into his arms. Even before their lips touched, she felt her body’s response to his. He covered her faces with little kisses. Her hands stroked his arms and his back. The feel of his arousal brought a heated response from her. Her breasts tightened. She pressed closer to him.
Slowly, he released her. “Some welcome home. I think I’ll keep you.”
She grinned. “I think I’ll stay.”
The fire in his green eyes made her want to grab his hand and rush to the bedroom. She inhaled. Though they needed to talk about their relationship, they needed to discuss what they might face this evening.
He put his hands on her shoulders. “After the meeting.”
“I’ll be here.” In her heart, she knew she would be here for as long as he wanted her, but she couldn’t ask for a commitment yet.
He kissed her forehead. “Let me wash up. We’ll eat and plan our strategy.”
While he was gone, she set the table and put the casseroles on hot plates. She felt more at home here than she’d felt in the apartment she and Chuck had rented. With a sigh, she pushed away thoughts of forever. Once before she had believed she’d found someone who would be with her forever. Then she had learned the difference between the dream and reality was too far to bridge.
After they ate the curry and rice, they walked to the living room. Eric opened his attaché case. “I made copies of the contract with my suggestions for the Board and some for you to take to your meeting. There are also some copies of my investigation into Sandra’s manipulation of the staffing patterns.”
Jenessa read the material. The more she learned, the angrier she became. If Sandra had been there, Jenessa would have altered the neat perfection of the assistant D.O.N.’s attire. When she turned over the last page, her gaze met Eric’s. “This has explosive potential. I’m not sure I want to let the others know. It might cause what we’re working to prevent.”
He took her hand. “Do what you think is best. Wouldn’t this information undermine Claire’s position? After all, she and Sandra are friends.”
“I’ll have to think about it carefully.”
He pulled her into an embrace. “We’ve time for --”
“Dessert,” she said.
As she pulled his head toward hers, he laughed. Their lips met. The doorbell rang. Jenessa laughed. “So much for dessert.”
“Maybe they’ll go away.” The bell sounded again. “How about someone who has the wrong apartment.” The bell rang in a series of staccato peals. “Impatient.”
While Eric answered the door, Jenessa considered the information on Sandra’s manipulations. Her colleagues deserved to know, but would the infor
mation act as a goad?
“Man, we’ve got a problem.” Sam followed Eric into the room. “Bishop called this afternoon to let me know he has your letter of resignation. Why did you go and do that?”
“I didn’t.”
“Then how -- Oh, hi, Jenessa.”
Sam’s knowing grin made Jenessa blush. “Sam. Join our strategy session.”
He sat on a chair across from the couch. “How are we going to counter this letter?”
Eric sat beside Jenessa. “It’s a forgery. I can prove that by signing my name.”
“He might not let anyone see it.”
“Insist,’ Jenessa said. “Denying won’t stop him from calling for a vote.”
Eric frowned. Then he told Sam about the notes he had written. “Wonder if that’s all he has?”
“Maybe. Okay, we ask you to sign something and compare the signatures. Then I create a diversion and you head out. I know you, buddy. If you’re asked, you’ll admit all those thoughts were yours.”
Eric made a face. “We don’t even know that’s what this meeting is about. Since the Labor Board will be stepping in, maybe he wants to offer a contract.”
Jenessa rose. “And I’m a ten foot giant.” She reached for the stack of contracts and the proof of Sandra’s mishandling of staffing. “I’ve got to get ready for the union party. See you later.” She paused in the doorway and blew a kiss.
Sam raised an eyebrow. “Looks like things have progressed from just friends.”
“You might say that, except the hospital keeps getting in the way.”
“Business has a way of killing pleasure.” Sam leaned back and crossed his legs at the ankles. “Just how much time do you think we have to get our proof together.”
“Maybe none.”
This notion echoed in Eric’s thoughts as he opened the Board room and turned on the lights. He handed Sam the packets of material documenting Sandra’s tampering with staffing while he placed copies of the hoped for contract at every place at the table.
Sam leaned against the table and read the material he’d been given. “Gutsy. Think Bishop will let you even mention this?”
“If I don’t have a chance to bring the matter to the Board’s attention, why don’t you?”
“I’ll point it out to Dr. Carter. He’ll react.”
The doors opened. A group of Board members entered. Eric heard mumbles and gripes from several. Dr. Carter picked up the material in front of him. Moments later, Bishop lumbered into the room. Sandra followed.
What’s she doing here? Eric wondered. She sat in one of the chairs beside the door. A smug smile appeared on her face.
Bishop pushed aside the papers Eric had left at his place. He banged his gavel. “I know a lot of you aren’t happy about this special session, but the nurses are making threats that we need to address. I’m sure most of you have heard their accusations, and maybe even seen this piece of garbage from their attorney.” He waved a piece of paper. “I’ve decided to offer them a contract. Ms. Wallace will pass copies around.”
Eric rose. “I’ve distributed copies of the contract they presented months ago. The terms are fair to both the nurses and the hospital.”
Bishop ignored Eric. “Ms. Wallace has copies of the only contract we mean to offer and the nurses will accept or not.”
Eric picked up the stapled sheets. He examined several of the important points. “The nurses won’t accept this. You’re offering less than they already have.”
“Then let them strike,” Bishop said.
“What about the patients?” Dr. Carter asked.
Sandra stood behind Bishop’s chair. “The patients will receive excellent care. I’ve arranged for nurses from X-tra Hands to cover in case of a strike.”
“You can’t do that without Board approval,” the chief of medicine said.
Bishop smiled. “You put the power to make decisions in my hands and I decided those little girls need to learn how things are run in the real world.”
“Next, you’ll force the Board to recommend selling the hospital,” Sam said.
Bishop shook his head. “Advise them to consider making that recommendation to the town council.”
“With four out of six members owing you money,” Sam muttered.
“What about the doctors?” the chief of Pediatrics asked. “Most hospital corporations have their own doctors.”
Bishop banged the table in a series of staccato raps. “Gentlemen, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The matter before us is the contract for the nurses.”
The bank president rose. “I move we offer the contract Jim worked out.”
“I second,” the high school principal said.
“Just a minute,” Eric said. “You can’t ramrod this through without a discussion. I have facts and figures I’d like to present. I think we need to make an informed decision.”
Bishop glared. “Motion has been made and seconded. All in favor raise their hands.”
Sam, Eric and the four doctors voted against the motion. Bishop tapped the table. Motion passed. Eight for. Six against with the president not voting.” He looked at Eric. “As liaison between the Board and the nurses, you have the honor of presenting the contract to them. They’re meeting tonight in Mrs. Robertson’s apartment.”
After a look at Sam and seeing his friend’s nod, Eric rose. “I won’t present an offer that’s not made in good faith.”
Sandra pulled a paper from her briefcase and handed it to Bishop. The older man smiled. “Then I’m forced to present your letter of resignation to the Board.”
Eric moved from his place at the table. “I never submitted a letter of resignation.”
“Dated and signed,” Bishop said.
Sam snatched the paper from the table. “That’s not Eric’s signature. Sign your name beside this forgery.”
The bank president looked at the pair of signatures. “Sam’s right. Mr. Bradshaw never signed this letter.”
Eric strode toward the door. Dr. Carter jumped to his feet. “Ms. Wallace, I’ve been studying these other papers. What kind of idiot makes schedules like this? Don’t you care that the patients could be harmed?”
“You’re out of order,” Bishop shouted.
Eric closed the door on the confusion that erupted. He took the stairs two at a time. If he could avoid anyone from the Board until he had the rest of the proof, he and Jenessa might just succeed in preventing a strike and the sale of the hospital.
In his apartment, he packed a change of clothes and took a suit from his closet. After a call to the hospital to let the supervisors know he had been called away by an emergency, he dialed Jenessa’s number.
*****
Jenessa stood near the telephone table and counted heads. Five members of the negotiating team sat on the rug facing the couch. Three of the five member steering committee sat on the couch. Claire stood near the stereo system forcing both groups to turn to see her. Megan passed Styrofoam cups of coffee to the crowd.
As Claire expanded her reasons for asking that a strike vote be called, Jenessa studied her colleagues’ faces. The group seemed evenly divided between those who supported Claire and those who wanted to wait until the Labor Board answered their request for arbitration.
The phone rang. Jenessa lifted the receiver. When she heard Eric’s voice, she carried the phone to the kitchen.
“Can you talk freely?” he asked.
“Not really.”
“Then listen.” He covered what had happened at the Board meeting. “The place erupted and I think that will give us a little more time to come up with the rest of the answers. How are things on your end?”
“Not so good.”
“Did you call the broker?”
“This morning. He promised he’d have the information tomorrow.”
“As soon as I hang up, I’m heading for the city.”
“But...I thought we’d drive down tomorrow. Can’t you wait?” She wondered how she could tell him about the appo
intment she’d made with the nurse recruiter of MASCHCO.
“I’m avoiding phone calls or visits from friendly or unfriendly Board members. I don’t want to inadvertently let something slip.”
“I can understand the problem.” Her own inclination to blurt her feelings had grown unbearable. As new facts emerged, keeping the things she and Eric learned a secret grew more difficult.
“I’ll call you as soon as I learn something.”
“Good luck.” She hung up. When she turned, she saw Claire standing in the doorway. How long had the brassy blonde been there?
Claire raised an eyebrow. “A problem?”
“Just a nervous friend.”
“It’s your turn to present your side. Too bad you didn’t get to hear my arguments.”
“I think I know them all.” Jenessa strode to the living room. She sat on the floor at the end of the coffee table. “Claire says it’s my turn. I think you all know how I feel about a contract and a strike.”
Several of the women laughed. “You’ve kept us well informed,” someone said.
“First, I’m not sure we can call for a vote when we’ve already asked for a mediator.”
“It’s been over a week,” Claire said. “Who knows when they’ll come?” She stood with her fists on her hips. “Just because we vote for a strike doesn’t mean we’ll walk out. They have ten days to come up with something.”
“The Board’s meeting in a special session this evening,” Megan said. “Maybe they’re discussing a contract.”
“More likely, they’re voting to sell the hospital and then none of us will have jobs,” Claire said.
“They can’t,” Simone said. “Only the town council has that power.”
“Ha!” Claire glared. “A lot you know.”
A babble of voices rose in debate and argument. Jenessa heard so many opinions of what should be done, she couldn’t keep them straight. The doorbell rang. She rose and walked to the door. Her eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”
Sandra smiled. “I’ve been deputized by the Board to bring you a contract offer.”
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