Tender Touch

by Emery, Lynn

  “Have you heard something?” Tavis pulled at her arm with a jerk.

  “I’d start backing away from Harlan Favre. He’s a distant cousin, did you know that? Clever but no scruples. I’ll be watching the newspapers, sugar.” Marlene’s amused look was replaced by one of fury. “And don’t ever make the mistake of threatening me again!” She swept out of the town house without looking back.

  * * *

  “I’d like to kick his a—” Damon spluttered. His brows were drawn together in a fierce frown.

  “Ah, ah. Cool it, baby.” Jade stroked his cheek. “Maybe we better keep you away from Bill for a while.”

  They sat in Uncle Joe’s, having dinner on Saturday. The usual weekend crowd flowed in and out. Tables were filled with people enjoying the seafood and Creole dishes. Blues and Zydeco played in the background.

  “Yeah, if you want to keep him healthy,” Damon retorted.

  Jade had tried not to let on just how worried she was about the pending interview with top officials. The governor ordered Secretary Chauvin to conduct a thorough internal

  investigation. Shaena, courtesy of inside information from Brad, had told Jade details than Bill had left out. Jade wondered if her meager notes of meetings with Bill would be enough. In recent days her name was mentioned with more frequency in the newspaper articles. She suspected Bill and Mike Testor were feeding the reporter nuggets through a third party in an attempt to take the heat off them.

  “I’ll be okay,” Jade murmured absently.

  Damon glanced at her. “Tell me the truth, Jade. Do you have the ammunition you need to fight back?”

  “I think so. Well, actually, I’m pretty sure,” Jade added quickly at the look of concern her response caused. “Don’t worry about me. You have enough on your mind. I can take care of myself.” The last thing she wanted was for Damon to become a target.

  “I know you can. But I’m going to help you from now on,” Damon said. He folded her hand into his. “It’s the least I can do after acting like such a jerk—believing stupid gossip.”

  Jade gave him an affectionate poke in the ribs. “No more beating ourselves up, okay? Besides, I don’t care about gossip. The people who really matter to me know the truth.”

  “The way Bill manipulated this whole situation really pisses me off. He’s always figuring an escape route no matter what situation he lands in.” Damon wore a grimace as though just talking about Bill Lang made him sick.

  “Yeah, and he’s done a good job this time. I could even be indicted for malfeasance in office.” Despite her best efforts, Jade’s voice trembled. Her whole career could be ruined, and she could face criminal charges.

  “I won’t let that happen,” Damon said, his voice harsh and intense.

  “Well, between Mike Testor and Tavis, they’ve—”

  “Tavis Collins?” Damon cut her off.

  “Yeah. You know him?” Jade stared into her diet cola with a morose expression. “He’s real smooth. They’ll cover for each other for sure.”

  “Yeah, that’s right. He’s one of Bill’s good buddies.”

  “They’ve been friends for a long time.” Jade looked up at him with a curious expression.

  “Of course. Tavis Collins.” Damon tapped the tabletop with his fingertips. He stared ahead at the crowded dining room without really seeing anyone.

  “Damon, remember me?” Jade waved her fingers in front of his face.

  “Hmm? Oh, sorry. Listen, baby, I’ve got an errand to run.” Damon stood up.

  “Now? We just got here.” Jade put her hands on both hips. “Damon Knight, what are you going to do?”

  “I’ve got an idea that just might blow this whole thing up in their faces.” Damon nodded to himself. “Yeah, I’m going to have a little chat with my old buddy.”

  “I’m not letting you out of my sight until you explain. Damon?” Jade’s mouth flew open with surprise because Damon was already rushing off while she spoke.

  “Gotta go, sweet. I’ll call you later. But I’m going to make sure everything works out fine.” Damon blew her a kiss.

  “That man has not been getting enough rest.” She shook her head.

  Jade stared after him with a befuddled expression. Then she thought about his last words. That was it! She should have thought of it before. The waitress appeared.

  “You ready to order?” The young woman, the name LaQuinta stamped on a plastic name tag on her blouse, held a pencil poised over a pad.

  “No, thanks, we changed our minds.” She paid for their soft drinks.

  Jade glanced at her watch. It was only five-fifteen. She could make it back to the office in plenty of time before the building closed at six.

  “Might was well now that I’m free for the evening,” she said. Excitement over her idea pushed her to dash out just as Damon had. Hours later she was home when the doorbell rang.

  “Baby, you’re all set.” Damon pulled her to him and kissed her. Her eyes were bright with enthusiasm. “Here you go.” He handed her a large brown envelope.

  “Hey, doesn’t feel like a diamond necklace,” she quipped.

  “It’s even better. Take a look.”

  Jade sat down to scan the papers she took out. “My, oh, my,” she said. “How did you manage to get a hold of these?”

  “Doesn’t matter. Just the evidence to bury Bill Lang in his own you-know-what.” Damon wore a wicked smile. “Just wish I could be there.”

  Chapter 18

  “Sit down, Ms. Pellerin.” Secretary Chauvin gestured to a chair. The top DHH official had the graceful but proud bearing of an old Creole family. His voice held just a touch of an accent. Iron gray hair was swept back from his forehead.

  Sitting in the secretary’s office in a half circle around the large room were six other people. Jade recognized two top Medicaid officials: Hazel Preston and her assistant director Wilton Trosclair among them. Bill Lang and Mike Testor sat stiffly next to each other. They did not greet her when she entered. Bill even avoided eye contact.

  Chester Howard entered from a side door next to Secretary Chauvin’s desk. The heavy, black eyebrows were in sharp contrast to his pale skin. His long face gave no clue as to his mood. He looked as he always did, like a humorless accountant. Known for his dogged stand on conservative spending that kept him ignored through successive freewheeling liberal/populist governors, Chester Howard sat closest to Secretary Chauvin. After introductions were made, Secretary Chauvin got down to business.

  “I called this meeting because the department is facing serious questions. To be blunt we all have a credibility crisis with the public and the legislature.” Secretary Chauvin glanced around the room, watching the others react to his words.

  “Sir, reporters are digging for any scraps and...” Mike Testor’s voice trailed off weakly at the slight shift of Chester Howard’s eyebrows.

  “We’re facing a severe Medicaid funding shortage. But our congressional delegation is reluctant—and that’s putting it mildly—to approach the feds on our behalf to get more time or concessions.” Secretary Chauvin glanced at Bill then Jade. Seconds ticked away as the expression on his face made it clear he expected a response.

  Bill cleared his throat. “Tightened controls on several programs have already resulted in savings. A few programs have been scaled back, several will be eliminated—”

  “While others have been expanded and rates increased, as a reporter named Savoie has taken great trouble to describe.” Secretary Chauvin pulled the article from a file folder filled with other newspaper clippings.

  “Well, we know that news reporters will print one side of the story.” Bill shrugged. “Notice he hasn’t mentioned our cost-cutting measures.”

  “That’s not the focus of the investigation.” Howard’s bland Southern drawl came out just above a whisper.

  “Exactly.” Bill leaned forward. “He’s going to slant the story to give it maximum effect. That’s what sells newspapers. What we need to do is emphasize what we�
��ve done in response to the serious Medicaid shortfall. We can counter the effects of these stories.” His voice had the old confident quality.

  “Ms. Pellerin, do you agree with your boss?”

  “Well, I think—” Jade tried not to fidget under his gaze.

  Bill cut her off. “We shouldn’t be on the defensive.”

  “So you suggest we all but ignore these articles?” Secretary Chauvin made a tent with the fingers of both hands.

  “No, obviously we must answer direct questions. I’ve put together a report that outlines all our cost-saving activities— some of which were reviewed by the Health and Welfare Committee members before we took them.” Bill snapped his fingers at Jade, who handed him a small binder. He took the report without looking at her. Secretary Chauvin did not reach for the report, nor did he look at the white vinyl binder in Bill’s hand. Instead he turned to one of the Medicaid administrators.

  “Wilton, tell me about Health Tech and the nursing home rates.”

  Wilton Trosclair shifted in his seat. He glanced at Mike then caught himself. His boss, Hazel, sat impassively next to him.

  “Health Tech owns eight nursing homes in the state, ten in Texas.” Wilton tugged at the tie clipped to his white shirt. “We, uh, did a review of rates and found the nursing homes were not being adequately reimbursed to cover the cost of care. This is based on—”

  “Figures that were provided by the Association of Nursing Home Administrators,” Howard, his voice still low, finished for him.

  “Er, yes, that’s true. But we checked them thoroughly against reasonable expense rates in the rest of this region of the country.” Wilton bobbed his head, seeking some sign of encouragement. No one moved.

  “Yet the profit statements reviewed show that Health Tech, taken as only one example, has shown a stable and substantial surplus. Couple this with some scathing survey reports on patient care, and we have to wonder why an increase was granted.” Chester Howard’s brows went up just a fraction.

  Hazel Preston, her heavy jaw quivering, flashed him an irritated look. “We have to respond to their request by state regulations. If the figures indicate an increase, we have to give it. My section has acted totally in accordance with all state regs.” She clearly meant to show that she was not intimidated.

  “I know that, Hazel. I also know you can use past performance on patient care surveys as a factor in your decision.” Howard did not raise his voice to match her tone.

  “But it’s not a usual part of the process,” she clipped back at him.

  “These are not usual times, Ms. Preston.” Secretary Chauvin stared at her hard. “I want to hear from you, Bill.”

  “Well, I...” Bill glanced at Mike. “To be candid, Secretary Chauvin, Health Tech has worked hard to improve. We know that. Ms. Pellerin worked closely with them.”

  “So increasing rates was the reward for their efforts?” Howard glanced around the room.

  “Well, I wouldn’t say that,” Mike put in with a grin. “Let’s just say in consideration for future services... Ahem. Ms. Pellerin could give more details.”

  Secretary Chauvin turned in his heavy leather chair to stare at Mike. “Is that so, Mr. Testor?” A long, tense silence stretched after his voice died away.

  Jade felt as if a trap had closed over her. Here she was caught between two men who would gladly let her take the fall and two conservatives who would just as soon jettison holdovers from a previous administration. Bill was seen as part of the old liberal system. He’d been appointed with reassurances that he would not continue old practices. Obviously Howard had been watching his every move. She was surprised when he turned to Hazel and Wilton instead of her.

  “We need a full report outlining the nursing home rates and any other rate changes made in the past eight to ten months.” Howard did not blink at the glares the two gave him. “By noon tomorrow.”

  “Why, we’ll need more time,” she grumbled.

  “It’s all in a computerized database. I helped set it up two years ago.” Howard’s heavy brows twitched when Hazel snapped her mouth shut and stomped from the room.

  “Yes, sir,” Wilton stammered. He scurried after her.

  “Review our report when you have time. Let me know if you have any questions.” Bill started to leave. A look of relief started across his face then stopped at Howard’s voice.

  “Wait, Lang. We’re not done yet.” Howard closed the door behind Trosclair. He sat in the chair beside Jade this time.

  “What about these disturbing reports that you and Ms. Pellerin have ties to several providers? We need to know if there is any aspect of your relationship that can be misconstrued.” Howard’s voice was mild, but it was clear he was asking for loaded information.

  Jade felt as though she were the easiest target. Bill and Mike had political connections. What did she have? She fingered the brown envelope in her lap. As though from a distance, she heard Mike and Bill rattling on. Jade could tell Secretary Chauvin and Howard were not impressed. Using the information she had was the last thing she wanted. Deep down, Jade would love to simply close her eyes and make this all go away. But her career was on the line. Jade wouldn’t stand by and take the fall, especially when she’d done nothing wrong.

  “Well, it may be best if I speak with Jade and Mike alone. I’ll get back to you with my findings.” Bill gave a solemn nod.

  Jade snapped to attention. “Excuse me, Secretary Chauvin. I feel compelled to say there is nothing questionable about any decisions made in which I took part.”

  “Jade, we’ll talk later.” Bill stood up.

  “I have a list of all meetings, and my notes to correspond with our response to the inquiry on nursing home rates.” Jade opened the envelope and handed Howard a memo sent to Wilton Trosclair.

  “You’ve stepped over your authority, Jade.” Mike Testor took the memo from Howard’s hand. “We’ll send a full report with all the details.”

  “I’d like to see it, actually.” Howard retrieved the paper from a flustered Mike.

  “I here are several documents regarding the hospital certificates granted.”

  Bill struggled to maintain his composure. “What are you doing?” he said in a taut voice.

  Howard looked at the dates on one sheet after another. His dark eyes held a predatory gleam when he looked up at Bill and Mike. “Some of these are dated before you were appointed assistant secretary, Lang. When did your discussions with these providers begin?”

  Jade fought to steady her breathing. The papers indicated that Bill was cutting deals even before his appointment was confirmed. She turned to stare at Bill. Greed and arrogance. So eager to get the ball rolling, he had started working with men like Franklin immediately in preparation for his rise to power. No doubt he didn’t think the obscure paperwork, filed routinely and forgotten in a maze of cabinets on the fourth floor, would ever be found.

  Jade had taken a big gamble. Howard and Secretary Chauvin might decide she was expendable. Her stomach tightened as she waited for their reactions. Secretary Chauvin and Howard looked at each other. Howard stood up.

  “I need to make a few phone calls. But I expect you in my office twenty minutes from now, Lang. You, too, Mike.” Howard didn’t look back before heading down the hall.

  “Thanks, Ms. Pellerin,” Secretary Chauvin said as he stood.

  “Should I bring any additional information to the meeting?” Jade’s heart thumped so hard she was sure the entire building could hear it beating.

  “You don’t need to attend.” He nodded.

  “Yes, sir.” Jade walked out of his office, her legs weak with relief.

  Testor came out with a look of desperation on his blunt features. He blinked hard at Bill, but seemed unable to find form a question or speak. Finally he swallowed hard and walked down the hall toward the elevators like a condemned man. Bill paused outside Secretary Chauvin’s office to confront Jade.

  “Why did you do this to me? You know how few of us are in posi
tions of authority,” he growled at her in a rough, low voice. He looked over his shoulder.

  “You instructed me to pulled together information on how decisions were made, remember? Like you said, we make a good team,” Jade replied mildly.

  “Damn it, I didn’t ask you to go back so far—and you know it. I won’t forget this, Ms. Pellerin.” Bill spoke through tight lips, his fury barely in check.

  “Neither will I, Mr. Lang.” Jade met his wrathful gaze without flinching. “Should I help you prepare for this next meeting, too?” she said in an innocent voice.

  Bill went pale with the effort not to lash out at her. The veins in his neck stood out. With a muttered curse, he spun around and stalked off.

  Shaena emerged from a small office. “Well, that was touch and go.”

  Jade jumped with surprise. “Girl, what are you doing here?”

  “On standby. The cavalry so to speak. Brad told me about the meeting.”

  “And just what did you think you were going to do?” Jade looped arms with Shaena as they walked to the elevator.

  “I was going to get his secretary, Vonice, to put in a call to Howard so I could talk to him.” Shaena winked at her. “I helped him out a few times.”

  “Howard, the conservative? You’re kidding.” Jade’s mouth dropped open.

  “Vonice slipped in to give Secretary Chauvin a message. She said you were too nervous to notice. But she heard enough to know Bill Lang is in deep you-know-what. So I decided to wait here for you.”

  “Thanks, my friend.” Jade felt a lump in her throat. She pressed her cheek to Shaena’s. Jade raised an eyebrow at her. “But you all cozy with conservatives is a bit hard to take.”

  “Honey, we both know poor folks never did get to see even half the money from a lot of programs. It ended up in the pockets of men like Steve Franklin. They run around protesting how we need more programs, and then make sure their pals pocket lots of the money.”