Corridor Man Volumes 1, 2, 3,4 5

by Nick James

  Chapter Ten

  He phoned Angie for some files. “It’s your fault if I look fatter today, I devoured that plate of cookies by mid-afternoon yesterday,” he said as she came through the door.

  “Glad you liked them,” she said setting a fresh stack of files on his desk. “Happy reading. Would love to chat, but I have to get a cartload into the big conference room. Mr. Denton is in there with the Summer Mortgage folks, I’m expecting fireworks.”

  “Problems?”

  “I think the State Attorney General is looking at them for unfair practices or something. It didn’t sound like a very happy get together when I went past. Anyway, gotta fly. Glad you liked the cookies,” she said and hurried back out the door.

  The conference room Noah Denton and his clients were using was down the hall toward the front desk. Bobby wrote a note to Noah telling him he was looking at a Montcreff partnership file then picked up the file and casually walked over to Denton’s office. The door was closed but unlocked and Bobby quickly entered.

  As he walked over to Denton’s desk, his heart seemed to pound with every step. He tucked the file under his arm, glanced out the window next to the door to make sure the coast was clear, then pulled open the middle desk drawer. There were pens, pencils, paper clips and two trays filled with a variety of pills in different colors, shapes and sizes.

  Bobby snapped opened three lids on one of the pill trays and placed an ecstasy tablet in the compartments with the other pills. The tablets were round, white, with no markings and were slightly larger than any of the other medications. He closed the drawer and quickly hurried back to his office.

  He worked through lunch, then left the office a little after two. There was a paramedic ambulance with its lights flashing outside the building when he returned. As he stepped off the elevator he was aware of a number of people standing around and talking in hushed tones. The usually implacable Marci was still stationed at the front desk answering the phone, but even she looked a little frazzled and shot Bobby a worried glance as he walked past. No one seemed to notice him as he walked back to his office.

  There were two paramedics standing just outside Noah Denton’s office. They were dressed in dark blue with the red fire department patch on their shoulder. One of them was talking in low tones on a radio. Two police officers wearing protective vests under their uniform shirts were standing next to them. He could see at least two more paramedics in Denton’s office standing alongside a gurney. People in the hall were whispering, everyone wore a shocked look on their face.

  Bobby closed his office door and phoned Angie, she answered after the first ring.

  “What the hell is going on?”

  “God, are they still here?”

  “The paramedics? Yeah, what happened? Did he have a heart attack or something?”

  “No one seems to know, he got out of that meeting early this afternoon, went into his office then the next thing you know he’s walking around chatting with folks like he actually had a personality. Apparently at some point he grabbed one of the paras, then about thirty minutes later he started slurring his words, had trouble walking and collapsed going back into his office. I guess it was like he was drunk or something, only I don’t think he ever went to lunch.”

  “Collapsed? That sounds like a heart attack.”

  “Does it?”

  One could only hope, he thought. “I wonder if something upset him in that meeting, maybe it was too stressful and brought on a heart attack.”

  “All I know is I’m staying locked in the file room until this is all over.”

  Bobby went back out into the hallway. No one had really moved, everyone was still standing around with shocked looks on their faces. He headed for the two cops.

  “How’s it looking?” he asked trying his best to sound concerned.

  One of the cops sort of frowned and shook his head. “Not a lot we can tell you. I guess they had to give him some sort of sedative.” The other cop nodded in agreement. “They’re getting things lined up over at Regions, they’ll be taking him down there.”

  The paramedic who had been on the radio suddenly said, “Let’s go.” And with that the four paramedics began to move as one, rolling the gurney out the office door and down the hallway. The cops excused themselves and followed.

  Noah Denton was strapped onto the gurney. His face looked ashen, his eyes were closed, his head was tilted off to the side and he was drooling out of the corner of his mouth. All eyes remained on the group as they headed toward the elevators.

  Bobby took the opportunity to quickly step into Denton’s office. He hurried over to the desk and opened the center drawer. One of the compartments he’d added an ecstasy tablet to was empty. He opened the other two compartments and removed the tablets, then thought for a minute and picked up the tray and headed for the elevators.

  “We don’t know, all of a sudden he’s slurring his words and then he collapsed. Maybe a stroke,” Marci said into the phone as Bobby approached the front desk. “Hold please,” she said. “Yes, Mr. Custer, isn’t it shocking, just terrible.”

  Not terrible enough. “God, say a prayer, Marci. I’m going to run these medications over to the hospital, it might help them in a diagnosis. Maybe save some time while they try and figure out what happened. Do you have Noah’s home number?”

  “Well yes, but I’m not sure…”

  “Marci, I’m guessing he’s probably had a heart attack or a stroke. Either way, it’s not good. I’ll need that number to call Mr. Denton’s wife, Cordelia or his daughter, Addison,” he said making it sound like they were all just one big happy family.

  “Yes, yes of course,” Marci said. She clicked a couple of keys, then wrote the number down on the back of a business card and handed it to Bobby.

  “Thanks, I’ll keep you posted the moment I hear anything,” he said then hurried onto the elevator.

  Chapter Eleven

  Regions Hospital is a major medical complex on the North side of downtown, just along the interstate. Bobby took his time and leisurely drove up Jackson Street, praying he’d have to wait at every stoplight along the way. He entered the parking ramp, a multi-storied affair, then drove past dozens of open spaces as slowly as possible until he was on the top floor of the ramp. Once parked, he examined himself in the rearview mirror, adjusting his collar and practicing a variety of sad looks before he walked down the stairs rather than save time and take the elevator to the ground floor.

  He waited at the ER desk behind a mother holding a little boy with a broken arm. Once they were shuttled off he explained to the woman behind the desk that the paramedics had brought in a patient and he was there with medications that the patient had taken. She seemed unimpressed until Bobby mentioned the name Noah Denton. Three minutes later he was in the ER, handing the tray of pills to a female doctor and then was escorted out to the waiting room.

  He chose a seat with a view of the interstate then pulled out his phone and called Denton’s home number. He ended up leaving a message so he decided to seek out the cafeteria. Denton’s wife phoned back about an hour later.

  “This is Mrs. Cordelia Denton, returning your call,” she said sounding like she was announcing the queen.

  What a pain. “Thank you for calling back, Mrs. Denton. This is Bobby Custer, I work with your husband.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m calling from Regions Hospital. Apparently Mr. Denton collapsed in his office and the paramedics were called.”

  “His heart again?”

  Who knew he had one. “They’re still trying to determine what happened, but it may be a while before they know.”

  “Regions,” she said making it sound like that wouldn’t have been her first choice.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Very well, I suppose I’ll have to head down there. What did you say your name was again?”

  “Custer, Bobby Custer.”

  “Oh yes, now I remember, I’ve heard a lot about you. I’ll look forwa
rd to meeting you, Mr. Custer.”

  “I’m in the waiting room in the ER,” Bobby said making his way across the cafeteria for a refill on his coffee.

  Bobby estimated with rush hour slowing things down it would take her a good forty-five minutes before she made it down to the hospital. It was actually closer to two hours before he saw her at the information desk. He recognized her from a framed photo Denton had in his office, the two of them standing side-by-side with a look on both faces suggesting they would prefer to be anywhere else. Bobby had always thought of the photo as their own personal version of American Gothic.

  “Mrs. Denton?” he said, coming up behind her.

  She turned and smiled. She was far more attractive than her photo looked or her voice sounded. “So, you must be Mr. Custer,” she said and held out her hand.

  “Please, call me Bobby.”

  “I’d like that. And you can call me Cori. Anyone who can get under Noah’s skin the way you do is a friend of mine. I must say you’re a bit of a surprise, I half-expected horns and a pitchfork.”

  “Hunh?”

  “Noah’s description of you. As you may have gathered he doesn’t like to be bested. Any news on the patient?”

  “I’m afraid not. They know I’m here, but I haven’t heard a thing. I brought his medication tray down, or at least one of them. I thought it might help them make a diagnosis, now I’m thinking I should have brought both of the trays here.”

  “Not to worry, I’ve got his medication list in my purse. You’re a fast thinker, aren’t you?”

  “Just trying to help.”

  “God knows why,” she said half under her breath then took Bobby by the arm and marched him back to a couple of chairs in a quiet corner.

  She was still talking forty-five minutes later when the female doctor he’d given the tray of pills to walked into the waiting room and started to scan the crowd. Bobby stood, waved and she headed in his direction.

  “Hello, I’m Dr. LeGarde, sorry it’s taken this long, but we really were perplexed. Let me give you the good news, it does not appear to be a stroke, it was not a heart attack. He was dehydrated, we’ve given him an IV and he’s responded rather nicely.”

  “Doctor, I’m Mrs. Denton, Noah’s wife.”

  “It’s a pleasure Mrs. Denton, I know you are a past board member. We’re moving him to a room as we speak. I’ve a couple of concerns, they’re not long-term, but we want to watch water intake and avoid dilutional hyponatremia which can cause seizures and hypertension which can cause a stroke.”

  “But he hasn’t had a stroke and he hasn’t had a heart attack, correct?” Cori asked.

  “Yes. Actually, we’re in the process of looking at a possible reaction to a medication or a combination of medications. This gentleman was kind enough to bring us samples of what your husband is taking,” she said and nodded at Bobby.

  “Actually, I’m afraid you only have half of what has been prescribed. I’ve got a list here, ahhh yes, here we are,” she said digging in her purse until she pulled out a number ten envelope and handed it to the doctor.

  She opened the envelope, took a quick look and said, “Thank you, this should help. We’re going to keep him overnight for observation. When you see him he’ll be hooked up to a number of monitors, that’s just a precautionary measure, nothing to worry yourself about. I talked with him, there seems to be a memory lapse for a few hours, not sure yet what that’s about, but he’s come around and doing well. If you’ll wait about fifteen minutes they’ll be able to provide you with his room number at the information desk and you can go up to see him.”

  Denton’s wife seemed to deflate at the news that he was on the mend. “Thank you,” she said and Dr. LeGarde left with the list of Denton’s prescribed medications. Bobby wondered if they would be able to pick up a trace of ecstasy.

  “Well, I suppose I’ll have to go see him,” Cori said.

  “Want some company?”

  “Would you mind? I could use it and I don’t plan on staying long. I’ve got a bridge tournament tonight. Who knows, maybe one look at you coming in the room and he’ll have that massive heart attack.” A thought which seemed to brighten her mood.

  Chapter Twelve

  Cori asked for a moment alone with Denton while Bobby waited in the hall. It was a private room, but the door remained open so that if he stood close enough he was able to hear the two of them.

  “What in the hell did you do, take the wrong medication again?”

  “Thank you for sparing a moment to come down, I’m honored to take priority over your bridge game.”

  “Don’t kid yourself, the tournament won’t start for at least another hour, besides this is more or less on the way. Not that I plan to waste time in here for another hour. They’re going to keep you overnight for observation. I’ve got a hair appointment tomorrow morning and then a Women’s Club luncheon so if you want me to drive you home you’ll have to wait until later in the afternoon.”

  “I’d prefer a taxi.”

  “Finally something we can both agree on. By the way, someone from the firm is here to see you.”

  “Who is it Allan? Sawyer?”

  “No, having been exposed to your charm for a number of years they apparently didn’t feel the need.”

  “Good lord, not Bennett Hinz, is it?”

  “I’m sure he’s out somewhere enjoying a happy hour, no it’s your partner.”

  “My partner?”

  “Mr. Custer, please come in and join us,” Cori called. She wore a broad smile as Bobby entered the room.

  “What in God’s name? Who in the hell invited you?”

  “Why Noah, how very charming,” Cori said.

  “How’s it going Mr. Denton? You gave us a nasty scare.” I can see you’re back to your old asshole self.

  A nurse rushed in a moment later. “Is everything okay? We’re getting a monitor alert at the nurse’s station.” She brushed past Cori and checked one of the monitors, then pushed a couple of buttons. She glanced at Denton for a brief moment and checked another monitor. “I think a short visit would be best, it’s been a busy day.”

  “I was just leaving,” Cori said.

  Denton grunted and looked out the window.

  “A real pleasure to meet you, Bobby. Keep up the good work,” she said, then placed a hand on Bobby’s arm for a long moment and smiled before she turned and glared at her husband.

  “Good luck at your bridge tournament tonight,” Bobby said.

  “It’s been a lucky day thus far, I’ll be in touch,” she said, then placed her hand on his arm again for a second or two before she walked out the door.

  “No need for you to stay and gloat, Custer.”

  If I thought I could get away with it I’d smother you with one of those pillows. “Just wanted to see if I could be of any help, in case you had something hanging fire.”

  “Don’t kid yourself. I plan to be back in the office first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “We can only hope, sir. I’ll look forward to seeing you then, have a pleasant evening sir, get some rest, like the nurse said it’s been a busy day.”

  “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

  “Certainly. I’ll let you settle in, then,” Bobby said, and gave a little wave as he left.

  He hurried to his car and drove back to the office. It was a little after seven and the handful of people still at their desks were immersed in files.

  Denton’s office was still unlocked. Bobby entered quickly and left the lights off. He lowered the blinds on the window next to the door then moved to the desk and began paging through a stack of files labeled Summer Bank. He removed a series of documents from the State Attorney General’s office, then opened the small refrigerator built into the credenza behind Denton’s desk. There were a couple of yogurt containers and five bottles of water. He opened one of the water bottles, took an ecstasy tablet from his pocket, crushed it using the stapler on the desk and then sprinkled i
t into the water bottle.

  He suddenly heard voices coming from down the hall. They began to grow louder, apparently heading in his direction. He hurried to the door, turned the lock on the knob then stepped back against the wall and held his breath.

  A hand grabbed the knob and attempted to turn it. “Not a problem, looks like someone beat us to it, already secure,” a voice said from the other side of the door.

  Someone responded, but Bobby couldn’t make out what was said as the voices faded back down the hallway. He waited what seemed like an eternity although it was only a few minutes, then hurried out of Denton’s office and onto an elevator.

  Once home he celebrated the day’s events with a nice Cabernet.

  Chapter Thirteen

  It wasn’t the shouting so much as the scream that pulled Bobby’s head out of the partnership file a few days later. Loud, angry voices coming from somewhere in the cubicle area. He opened his office door just as a woman hurried past. Bennett Hinz waddled past a moment later.

  “Where are they goddamn it? I know you took them. It had to be you, you were in there this morning.”

  “No sir, I was just returning the Anderson files. You had me review the acquisition contract.”

  “You’re lying,” a voice sounding an awful lot like Noah Denton growled.

  Bennett Hinz half shouted, “Noah, Noah for God sakes, calm down. We can sort this…”

  “The bitch is lying damn it, I want her ass fired, immediately,” Denton shouted. A shocked groan rose from the growing crowd in the hall and looking over partition walls.

  “I don’t know what he’s talking about,” one of the paralegals cried.