Bridgetown's Eleventh Hour

by Shirley A. Roe

  “I miss you too. I am going to see Charles Martin tomorrow. I will call you tomorrow night, get some sleep. I love you.” Jack put the phone down and sat staring at the wall for several minutes thinking of Susan. She was amazing and dedicated. He loved her with all of his heart. I am so glad I came to my senses about Sarah, she and I would never have worked.

  He picked up the phone and called Christine. “Chris? Just wait until I tell you about my day!” Jack told Christine about his and Bernie’s discovery out at the chemical plant and about Alvin Cooley. She was shocked.

  “Is he all right?” Jack assured her that Alvin would recover. “Do you think Mr. Cooley knew what was under the ground? He’s the one that ran out and told Matt not to use the machinery on the landscaping. What are you going to do now, Jack?” Christine could not believe what Jack was telling her. Matt sat opposite her on the couch looking curious. “Hold on Jack, I have to fill Matt in.” She told him what was going on.

  He too was in shock. It explained what happened to the trees and why he had his rash. Matt was angry. “Tell Jack if he needs back up, I’m his man!”

  “Chris, I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow morning, but if Martin won’t co- operate, I intend to go to the Banner. Are you willing to take this on or do you want me to call John directly?” Jack didn’t want to involve anyone else. He knew this was going to cause a lot of disruption in quiet Bridgetown. “I don’t want you to get involved if you are not comfortable.”

  “Call me tomorrow and let me know what happens, Jack. Matt and I will talk about this tonight.” She was about to hang up, but added, “Jack, be careful, you know what happened last time you confronted Charles Martin.”

  “I know Chris. I’ll be careful. Keep this to yourselves for now, good night Christine.” Jack hung up and started pacing the room. Bernie was already asleep in the next room, but Jack was filled with energy. At last I have you. I won’t rest until that dump site is cleaned up and Martin and Schultz Chemical are taken to court.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sarah was weak, she picked up the phone and dialed Christine’s number. “Hello?”

  “Christine, it’s Sarah. Can you come over? I’m very sick and I need help.” Sarah’s voice was weak and trembling.

  “I will be right there.” Christine finished getting dressed, threw her phone and her laptop into her bag and ran out the door. She arrived at Sarah’s house ten minutes later, and using her key she let herself in.

  “Sarah! Where are you?” She rushed into the bedroom at the back of the house. The bed was rumpled but empty. She noticed the bathroom door was ajar. “Sarah?” When she pushed the door open, Sarah was slumped over the toilet bowl. Christine reached for her friend.

  “Oh Christine, help me.” She was drenched in sweat, and her skin was white. Christine took a washcloth from the towel rack, wet it and wiped Sarah’s face. Then she helped her back to the bed. Sarah stumbled and Christine took her weight to propel her forward.

  “I’m calling an ambulance now. What on earth happened?” Sarah shook her head.

  “I don’t know.” She could barely speak. Christine called for an ambulance, removed the pajamas that were soaked with perspiration and wiped Sarah down with a cool cloth. Next, she went to the dresser to fetch fresh pajamas for her friend.

  “I am going to put these on you Sarah; can you lift your arm?” Sarah was barely conscious. Christine dressed her in fresh undies, and the clean pajamas. Then she went and unlocked the front door so that the paramedics could come in. She returned to Sarah and waited impatiently. Christine was anxious.

  “My bag.” Sarah whispered, pointing to the closet. Christine rose and took a small overnight bag from the floor next to the more than three dozen pairs of shoes.

  “I’ll put your toothbrush and hairbrush in here, shall I?” Christine was worried about her friend. Sarah looked terrible and Christine was sure she had lost weight over the past two days.

  Opening the bag, Christine found a new toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, nightgown and cosmetics, plus clean underwear. “That’s my Sarah, always prepared.” She had to smile. Hearing the ambulance arrive in the driveway, she ran to the door. “This way, hurry!”

  Within minutes Sarah was in the ambulance, and Christine was close behind in her own car. She used her cell to call Matt and then Jack. Jack didn’t answer and Christine remembered that he was going to see Charles Martin first thing this morning. She told Matt about Sarah and he explained that he couldn’t come right now because he was in the truck about fifty miles from town. “Call me as soon as you know something, but it sounds like Sarah is the next victim of the water crisis. Rather ironic, isn’t it?”

  When the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Sarah was admitted right away. Christine parked her car and entered through the emergency door. The hospital emergency room was filled to overflowing. She went directly to the counter and gave Sarah’s particulars to the overworked nurse. Soon she was inside the emergency ward, holding Sarah’s hand. The doctor arrived, and examined her friend, before several nurses arrived taking blood, checking blood pressure and administering an IV of fluids. The place was a flurry of activity and Christine felt helpless. No one gave her any information while she sat with Sarah for more than two hours. Christine tried to work on her laptop. She researched E coli and discovered that in Europe, many cases had led to hemolytic ureic syndrome or HUS and needed dialysis when their kidneys failed. It was a complication of E coli, which affected the blood, kidneys and in severe cases, the nervous system. Now she was more worried than ever. E coli can come from food, water or even transferred from hand to mouth, it was a very serious virus. Distracted and feeling helpless and upset, she left Sarah alone and went to phone Jack. She got his answering machine.

  “Jack, it’s Christine. You need to come to the hospital right away. Sarah is sick and I am very worried. The doctor thinks it is this mysterious virus, but you and I know better.” Christine hung up and picked up a coffee from the machine in the hallway. It tasted like burnt coffee beans. She threw it in the closest wastebasket and after a quick toilet stop, she went back to Sarah. The doctor was just leaving.

  “How is she? Is she going to be all right?” Christine looked at the doctor hopefully.

  “She has the virus that is going around town. I have rehydrated her and I think we caught it in time. I have her on antibiotics and fluid. I have to go, sorry.” He rushed away leaving Christine staring after him. The doctor confirmed that Sarah had the virus, but she knew it wasn’t a virus; it was chemical poisoning. She wrung her hands in frustration. Something had to happen quickly before the entire town was affected.

  Two floors above, Charles Martin arrived in Alvin Cooley’s room. The old man lay on the bed with tubes and wires coming from all directions. He was pale and weak, but he was awake. “Alvin, how are you feeling? What a terrible shock to hear that you had collapsed.”

  “Come closer.” Alvin’s voice was faint and Charles could barely hear him. Alvin gestured with his hand, for Charles to come closer. “They found it.”

  “Found it? Found what?” Charles thought that Alvin was hallucinating, as a reaction to the drugs that were pumping into his arm. He sat down in the chair next to the bed and waited. Hospitals made him uncomfortable and he wanted to make this quick. He only came because his wife insisted the press would be covering Alvin’s collapse. Whether Alvin Cooley recovered or not was of no concern to Charles Martin, but looking good to the press was everything.

  “The dump, they found it! Trouble now, big trouble!” Alvin had Charles’ full attention.

  “Who found it? What are you talking about?” Charles leaned closer to hear, but held his breath. There was a chemical odor coming from Alvin that was very noxious. “Speak up.”

  “That Giovanni guy and his friend, the police saw it, too. You have to do something.” Alvin started to drift off, but Charles gave him a none-to-gentle shake.

  “Alvin, tell me more. Wake up, man!” Charles was b
eginning to panic. He slowed his breath and tried to calm down.

  “They dug up the drums, all out in the open now.” Alvin raised his hand weakly. “Go away Charles, I need to rest.” Alvin went to sleep, leaving Charles staring at him. Charles moved to the window. Think man, you have to think. Your entire career is at stake. He tried to come up with a plan when his cell phone rang. It was his secretary telling him that Jack Giovanni was waiting in his office and would not leave. He hung up; his heart was pounding in his chest. He ran a few scenarios over in his mind. He couldn’t call his pal at the police station and have Jack arrested this time. There had to be a way out of this. A way that would make him look good.

  Meanwhile, Jack waited in Charles Martin’s outer office. He arrived sharply at nine o’clock, but was informed that Charles Martin was not in. Jack insisted on waiting. He fidgeted in the chair, his back was aching. He deduced it was probably from all that digging. He had rehearsed his speech over and over and tried his best to stay calm. Although he wanted to punch Martin right in his smug face, Jack knew he had to handle this carefully. The last thing he wanted was to go back to jail. He shuddered at the thought, when the door opened and the secretary appeared. “Mr. Martin will be back in ten minutes.” She disappeared before Jack could ask her anything else. It was not long before Charles Martin stood in front of him.

  “Mr. Giovanni, what can I do for you?” Charles Martin had gone over his strategy in his mind carefully, before meeting Jack. Charles had called Sarah to request her assistance, but was unable to reach her. Now he had to handle this situation with ‘kid gloves.’ Jack stood up and the two adversaries faced off.

  “I need to speak to you on an urgent matter.” Jack’s voice was steady. Charles summed him up. Well, at least he is not making this a public spectacle. My plan just might work.

  “Come into my office.” He pointed toward the door, and invited Jack in. Jack walked slowly into the huge opulent room. His stomach was churning with nerves. Just the sight of the rich décor made him angry. Bloody corporate opulence and people are starving, it makes me sick. He took one of the chairs in front of the desk, trying to focus on the matter at hand. He was surprised, when instead of going behind the desk as expected; Charles Martin sat in the chair opposite him. “Now what is it you want to discuss?” The atmosphere was charged with tension, but both men were trying to appear calm.

  “I think you know. I have proof that there is a chemical dump site behind this plant.” Jack ogled his opponent defiantly.

  “Yes, I am aware that you have discovered a dump site and I am shocked and most upset. I want you to know, I had no idea it was there. I just learned that it was put there in 1975, when I was only a child.” Sincerity oozed from his pores. Jack looked at the man in disbelief. It was incredulous that he expected Jack to believe he was unaware of the dump site. Again he had the urge to punch Martin, but Jack weighed his next words carefully.

  “So you had no idea there was a toxic dump behind this plant? Do you really expect me to believe that?” Jack waited while Charles chose his next words with the skill of a politician.

  “Yes, I do expect you to believe it, because it is true. Now the question is what can we do about it? This is a terrible discovery and Martin and Schultz Chemical wants to resolve this as soon as possible.” He spoke with such sincerity, that even Jack had trouble not believing him. The word ‘we’ did not escape him either. Did Martin actually think they were going to work together on this? The man should be a politician. The question is how do I handle it? Now it was Jack that remained silent, weighing his words. The future of Bridgetown rested on his next sentence. Should he say what he wanted to, accuse Martin of a cover up and threaten to have him brought up on charges or should he wait and see how this matter would play out.

  Perspiration appeared on his forehead, and he wiped it away with the back of his hand. Charles Martin watched him with interest. The situation resembled a tournament chess game with each player waiting for his opponent’s next move. Finally, Jack found his voice.

  “Mr. Martin, I think that you know what has to be done. That dump site must be removed immediately, with as little effect on the surrounding area as possible. Tests must be done to see how much damage it has already caused and action must be taken now.” Charles Martin was surprised.

  “I totally agree Mr. Giovanni. Since you are the expert in this field, please tell me what do we do next? I respect your knowledge in this field.” Now it was Jack’s turn to be surprised. He certainly had not expected this result. He watched his opponent weighing the measure of the man. Jack did not for a moment think Charles Martin was ignorant of the situation, but he might turn this to his advantage. Jack’s sincere and ultimate goal was to get the dump site cleaned up and the toxins out of the town’s water supply. Bridgetown’s future relied on his decision at this moment. This was new ground for Jack, who was used to fighting and protesting to get his way. After a moment’s hesitation, he challenged Charles.

  “I suggest we call Waste and Water Management immediately and have them come out and assess the situation. I will also call Environment Canada and inform them. It will be most important that you are willing to talk with them and confirm all action necessary. Your full cooperation will go a long way, Mr. Martin.” Charles Martin had not counted on involving the government agencies, but he knew it was necessary. He didn’t want to do anything to derail this result. It appeared that Jack Giovanni believed his story, and he had to be very careful not to give anything away.

  “Please use my phone and make the calls Mr. Giovanni.” Jack was very wary of Martin. He knew the man was lying, and he knew that he was working with a snake and would have to be careful not to get bitten. Jack picked up the phone and called the various agencies. Charles stood up and walked to the window, he was very pleased with himself. I am going to make this my crowning glory. The man that saved the town!

  Soon both agencies were on the way to Martin and Schultz Chemical. Jack left the office with the agreement that he and Charles Martin would meet in two days to discuss further action. Jack drove out of the lot, feeling very uncomfortable. Have I just climbed into bed with the devil? Martin is up to something, I know it. He decided to go to the hospital and talk to Alvin Cooley.

  Jack arrived at the hospital and stopped to use the facilities. When he came out, someone called his name. “Jack over here!” He turned to see Christine sitting near the nurses’ station.

  “Chris, what are you doing here?”

  “Sarah has been admitted Jack. It’s the damn water.” Jack’s face showed great concern and fear. “She is stable right now. I had to leave so they could move her to a room.” She reached for Jack’s hand. “The doctor said she would recover. I don’t think she ingested too much. You know how careful Sarah is.”

  “Thank God for that. Let me fill you in on Martin and Schultz, you are not going to believe this.” Jack told Christine everything. She was shocked by the outcome. Jack left to see Alvin Cooley with Christine watching his back until he disappeared. Just be very careful Jack. I don’t trust Charles Martin and neither should you. She sat silently trying to absorb what Jack had just told her. She was wary of Charles Martin’s willingness to work with Jack and she didn’t believe that he knew nothing of the dump site. As a journalist, she was filtering the information and formulating an article.

  The nurse called to her and gave her Sarah’s room number. Christine took the stairs to the second floor and was soon sitting beside her friend. Sarah was conscious, looked like her old self and anxious to leave. “Just relax. The doctor is keeping you in overnight to monitor your hydration levels. You were a very sick young lady and you gave me a scare.” Christine was very relieved to see Sarah had recovered so quickly. Just then Sarah sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. “You better lay down, Sarah.”

  “Toilet, emergency!” Sarah rushed into the bathroom leaving Christine thinking that her friend was not out of the woods yet. When she came out, Sarah collapsed
on the bed and looked at her friend in frustration.

  “But I have so much to do. Can you call Mr. Martin and let him know I am in here? I had an appointment with him today.” Christine could not believe the synchronicity of the universe; after all that had happened, Sarah wanted her to call Charles Martin about an appointment and Jack was upstairs quizzing poor Alvin Cooley. Things were out of control.

  She took out her cell phone and handed it to Sarah. “You call him. I can’t speak to him right now or I might say something I would regret.” Sarah gave her a curious look. She took the phone and left a message with his secretary. The secretary told Sarah there would be a meeting the following day and hoped she would attend as something very important was happening at the plant. Sarah hung up, now she was very curious.

  “That’s odd. Mr. Martin has called an important meeting tomorrow but his secretary wouldn’t say what it was about. I will be out of here early, I hope. I must go to this meeting.” Christine didn’t know how to tell her friend what had transpired. She gathered her thoughts as Sarah rambled on about her most recent marketing ideas for the chemical company. Christine realized that this was going to be tougher than she thought. Perhaps she should go and find Jack and have him explain it all to Sarah, or would that just turn into a huge battle?

  “I have to go to the bathroom Sarah. Did you want anything from the gift shop?” Sarah shook her head. Christine excused herself and ran down the hall to see if Jack was still in the hospital. She stopped at the nurses’ station and asked the whereabouts of Mr. Cooley’s room. Soon she was standing in the doorway. Jack was sitting beside the patient. Christine hung back, listening.

  “I owe you my life, you and your friend. The police told me that he kept me breathing. This is not a position I enjoy being in, Mr. Giovanni, but I am very grateful.”