by Terri Reid
“I’m Maya Alvarez,” she said. “I’m a nurse at the hospital.”
“Good to meet you, Ms. Alvarez,” he said.
Dr. Claeys stood up and walked over to Alex. “I’m Doctor Charles Claeys,” he said. “I’m the CEO of the hospital.”
Alex nodded, his face losing the friendly expression it held when he was conversing with Bradley. “Let’s get started,” he said. He put his leather briefcase on the coffee table near the leather chairs and opened it up. He first pulled out a small digital recorder and set it on the table. Then he pulled out a legal pad and pen.
“Why doesn’t everyone take a seat over here,” he suggested. “That way the recorder can pick up your voice.” He turned to his friend. “Chief Alden, why don’t you give me a quick overview of the situation.”
Bradley nodded. “I have, in my possession, a collection of files dating back to the 1990s,” he said. “There are thirteen of them. Each file records the medical responses juvenile patients were having to experimental drugs being used on them to treat AIDS.”
“How did you discover these records?” Alex asked.
“Mary was following up on an investigation,” Bradley said, meeting Alex’s eyes.
“Ahhh, well, I should have known,” he said. “And these children?”
“All died of AIDS-related complications,” Bradley replied.
“Did their parents consent to the application of these trial drugs?” Alex asked.
“All of the children were wards of the State under the protection of DCFS,” Bradley explained. “It seems that the State relinquished their rights and their well-being to a Dr. Reinsband and, I’m assuming, a pharmaceutical company.”
Alex put his pen down and met Bradley’s eyes. “How bad was it?” he asked softly.
“From what I’ve read, it was agony for these children,” he replied, his voice tense with anger. “These children suffered side effects like swollen joints, cramps, diarrhea and nausea. If they refused to take the medicine, they were force fed the pills and given injections. It was basically a torture chamber.”
Maya bent her head towards her lap and started to sob.
“Ms. Alvarez,” Alex said, his voice cool. “Do you have something to add?”
She lifted her head, her eyes red and swollen. “I didn’t know,” she said. “I didn’t know the drugs were causing those effects. They told me it was the AIDS. I swear, they told me it was the AIDS.”
Chapter Thirty-nine
“Linda,” Mary said through the Bluetooth connection in her car. “Jerry remembered her. She was convicted of embezzlment and sent to Stephenson County Jail.”
“It’s so much easier to remember when people tell you what happened,” Linda replied. “So, what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to try and visit her,” Mary said. “From what Jerry said, it sounds like her sentence may have been longer in order to silence her. I’d like to hear what she has to say.”
“Okay, but be careful,” Linda said. “If what Jerry says is true, there may still be some people in high places who don’t want this truth to be exposed.”
“Well, I’m not going to try and go today,” she said. “Mikey and I have a doctor’s appointment.”
“Well, good luck with that,” Linda replied. “And let me know if I can help you in any way.”
“Thanks, Linda,” Mary replied. “I appreciate it.”
Mary drove to her doctor’s office near the college and parked. A gust of wind just about knocked her back inside the car, but she pushed against it and made it to the office building.
“Mary, how are you feeling?” the receptionist asked her.
“I’m great,” Mary replied. “And Mikey’s learned to do River Dance. He especially enjoys it late at night, when I’m trying to sleep.”
The receptionist nodded sympathetically. “The last few weeks of pregnancy are the worst,” she said. “But pretty soon you’ll have that cute baby in your arms, and it will all have been worth it.”
Mary shook her head slowly. “You know, it’s funny. I do realize, logically, that pregnancy only lasts nine months and eventually I’ll have a baby to show for it,” she said. “But there’s this illogical part of me that feels like I’m just going to be pregnant forever. I can’t even imagine holding Mikey yet.”
“Maybe you feel that way because the amount of love you will feel for Mikey once he’s here is unimaginable,” the receptionist suggested. “It’s immediate and powerful. It’s like suddenly you are a momma bear, ready to protect your baby from anything.”
Mary rested her hands on her belly. “I kind of feel that way already,” she said.
The receptionist shook her head. “Oh, you haven’t felt anything like it yet.”
“Wow,” Mary said. “I can’t wait.”
Walking to the waiting area, Mary pulled out her phone to check her messages. There was a text from Clarissa’s teacher letting her know that there seemed to be a problem between Clarissa and Maggie.
Mary texted back. Thanks for letting me know. I was hoping they would make up today. Were there any problems at school?
The teacher texted back immediately. No. No problem. It’s just weird to see those two apart. But I’m sure they’ll get over it.
“I hope so,” Mary muttered.
Just then she was called back to the examination room. She pushed herself out of the chair and walked toward the nurse.
“How are you feeling?” the nurse asked.
“Good,” Mary replied. “For the most part.”
“The most part?” the nurse asked as they walked back to the room.
“I have found that my temper is not quite as even as it used to be,” Mary confessed. “Especially with people who feel they need to comment on your pregnancy.”
The nurse chuckled softly. “Things like, hey, isn’t that baby here yet?” she asked.
“Exactly,” Mary replied. “Or, are you still pregnant? I want to turn to them and say, ‘No, I had the baby three months ago. This is just holiday overeating.’”
“I would love to see the expression on their face if you answered like that,” the nurse laughed. “We once had a woman break someone’s nose when he asked a question.”
Mary stopped mid-stride. “Are you kidding?” she asked.
The nurse shook her head. “No, she was about a week overdue. Her back was killing her. Her feet were swollen. And she had been working all day,” the nurse explained. “A co-worker came over to her and said something like ‘You haven’t had that baby yet?’”
“Oh no,” Mary said.
The nurse shrugged. “I don’t think she even thought about it,” she said. “She just whipped her fist around and nailed the guy. Luckily he didn’t press charges.”
“Why didn’t he?” Mary asked.
“I heard that when his wife heard what happened she told him that he was lucky to still be alive.”
Mary laughed aloud. “Be afraid of tired, pregnant women,” she said. “Be very afraid.”
Chapter Forty
The sight of Alex and Bradley walking side by side down the hallway of the hospital turned more than one female head. They matched each other stride for stride, their gazes intent, their faces somber.
“Where can we talk?” Alex asked.
“Mary’s office,” Bradley replied. “I’ll let her know we’re coming.”
Alex nodded. “Good. Great,” he said. “I need to decide what the next steps are.”
“Yeah” Bradley said. They walked out of the hospital into the parking lot. Bradley looked around, making sure they were alone. “I learned from a friend that they’ve moved up the demolition schedule. The unit is supposed to be torn down in about ten days.”
“Ten days?” Alex said.
“Yeah, Friday the thirteenth,” Bradley replied.
Alex inhaled sharply. “Mary’s office,” he said.
“In five minutes,” Bradley agreed.
They both separated to go to t
heir vehicles in different areas of the parking lot. Bradley pulled out his cell and called Mary. “Hey, are you at your office?” he asked as soon as she answered her phone.
“Yes,” she replied. “I just got back from my doctor’s appointment. But I’m here.”
“How did it go?” he asked.
“I got a clean bill of health until next week,” she replied. “Mikey and I are both doing great.”
“That’s great news,” he said. “Alex and I are on the way over. We need to compare notes.”
“Excellent,” she said. “Because I’ve got some interesting information to add to your notes.”
He smiled. “I thought you might,” he said. “Okay, I’m at my car. See you in about five minutes.”
He hung up with Mary, unlocked the cruiser and climbed in. As soon as he started the car, he received a call from Dorothy at the office.
“Alden,” he answered.
“This isn’t Dorothy, and I’m not calling you from the privacy of your office so the mayor can’t see me,” Dorothy said. “Just so we’re both clear about that.”
Bradley experienced a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Okay,” he said hesitantly. “Why are you not calling me?”
“I’m not telling you that a group of expensive suits, not from Freeport, stopped by the mayor’s office about ten minutes after you left for the hospital,” she said. “And I’m certainly not telling you that the mayor has been pacing back and forth, trying to get hold of you.”
“Yeah, I didn’t answer his call,” Bradley admitted.
“And I didn’t tell you that I happened to call his secretary and she happened to look at the cards one of the suits handed the mayor and it was from a pharmaceutical company in Milwaukee.”
He smiled. He couldn’t help himself. “So, Dorothy, have you ever thought about becoming a detective on the force?” he asked.
“No, it’s much more exciting just being your assistant,” she replied evenly.
“Well, I didn’t tell you that I’m heading over to Mary’s office,” he said. “And I also didn’t tell you that Alex Boettcher is already involved with the case and he’s meeting me there too.”
He could hear her sigh of relief over the phone line, and it warmed his heart. “Thanks, Dorothy,” he said. “It’s nice to know you have my back.”
She chuckled softly. “Even when I don’t, right?”
“Exactly,” he said. “Thanks again.”
He disconnected the phone and turned down Main Street towards Mary’s office. “Suits,” he said aloud. “Well, that makes this a bit more interesting.”
Chapter Forty-one
Bradley parked behind Alex, and they both exited their vehicles at the same time. Alex waited for Bradley.
“I got an interesting phone call,” Bradley said. “Some representatives from a pharma company in Milwaukee stopped by City Hall about ten minutes after I left. The Mayor has been looking for me ever since.”
Alex shook his head. “Don’t you just love politics?” he replied sarcastically.
They entered Mary’s office, and she stood and walked over to greet them.
Alex enfolded her in a hug. “You look amazing,” he said.
“Thank you,” she replied with a smile. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Alex looked over his shoulder to Bradley. “If I had only met her first,” he said.
Bradley grinned. “You did meet her first,” he said. “She was just so not interested.”
Shocked, Alex turned back to Mary. “I don’t believe that,” he said. “Did we meet before you met Bradley?”
“No,” she replied. “We did not.” She glanced to Bradley and shook her head. “But, even though you are a very handsome man, my heart was only meant for Bradley.”
Sighing dramatically, he walked across the room, slipped off his overcoat and hung it on a coat rack. “I suppose I can see that,” he said, walking over to Mary’s desk. “And someday I’ll be able to reconcile myself to it.”
Mary laughed. “Yeah, I bet your heart’s broken,” she teased as she walked over to her chair and sat down. Then she looked up. “Oh, I’m sorry. Can I get you anything? Water? Soda?”
“I’ll get it,” Bradley offered before Mary could stand up again. He walked to the back of her office and opened the small fridge. “What would you like?”
“Water for me,” Mary said.
“Me too,” Alex added, taking a seat across from her.
With waters in hand, Bradley came back across the room, shrugged off his jacket and sat down.
“So, what do you have?” Mary asked.
“A very nervous CEO who has been receiving payments for space that hasn’t been used for more than twenty years,” Alex began. “And a nurse who wants us to believe that she didn’t know the drugs she was giving the children caused side effects.”
“But asked to have her lawyer present the moment she walked into the CEO’s office,” Bradley added.
“I actually feel sorry for her,” Mary said. “She’s been living with this hanging over her head for years, just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“We have data, thanks to the helpful CEO, that records payments all the way back to the nineties,” Bradley said. “For the rental of the back unit.”
“Wow. Good work,” Mary said.
“So, what do you have?” Alex asked.
“I went over to the county offices, and Linda helped me find an old DCFS file that was labeled the Baker’s Dozen,” Mary said.
“Baker’s Dozen?” Alex asked.
“That’s what the children said they were called,” Mary replied.
Alex paused for a long moment and finally spoke. “The dead children told you what they were called,” he said slowly.
“Well, not actually,” Mary replied.
Alex exhaled evenly and nodded. “Okay, good,” he said.
“They told Clarissa and Maggie what they were called,” she added. “We’ve only interacted with two of them.”
Alex sat back in his chair. “You know this…” he waved his hands in the air, “whole dead people talking thing is not admissible in court.”
Mary smiled widely. “Really? You don’t think so?” she asked.
Closing his eyes, Alex shook his head. “I’m sorry. Of course you know,” he said. “Tell me what you learned from them, and I’ll just sit here and pretend I’m not totally freaked out.”
“The children all had AIDS,” Mary said. “They were given drugs that made them hurt even more. Then everyone left them alone.”
“Wait! They abandoned the children and locked them in to die?” Alex asked.
“No,” Mary replied. “I think the children died, one after the other, but their spirits didn’t leave. So once all of them died, they closed up the study and locked the unit.”
“With all the paperwork and samples still left behind,” Bradley added.
Alex turned to Bradley. “Wait. What? You have records and samples?”
“We got into the unit last night,” Bradley explained. “And they had a room behind the nurses station that held the information.”
“How did you get in?” Alex asked.
“To the unit or the door behind the nurses station?” Mary asked pointedly.
He stared at her for a moment. “The one I want to know about,” he said.
She smiled. “Maggie found a set of keys at the nurses station when she and Clarissa were in there,” she said. “She put them in her pocket, and one of them opened the door.”
Alex sat for a moment, deciding if he really wanted to know about the other door. Finally, with a sigh, he asked, “Okay, how did you get into the unit?”
“Jack opened the door for us,” Bradley said with a gleam of humor in his eye.
“And Jack is...” Alex asked.
“One of the dead children,” Mary said. Then her smile faded. “Alex, he was only six when he died. He was the youngest.”
“I’m sorry,
Mary,” Alex said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make it right.”
Chapter Forty-two
Margaret finished her visit with Stanley and Rosie, a smile still on her face as she walked to the elevators. Those two were such a hoot! And they were still the cutest newlyweds, so much love and understanding. She pressed the down button and waited for a moment until the elevator door opened. Then she stepped inside and stared at the control panel for a long moment.
Why in the world did she have an almost overwhelming feeling to press three?
Being too Irish to not heed a sign, Margaret pressed three and prayed silently that it was the right thing to do.
The elevator door slid open, and Margaret hit the stop button before she stepped out into the dim hallway. She slowly moved forward, one step at a time, studying either side of the lobby. The abandoned nurses station was dark and filled with shadows in the late afternoon light. Suddenly, an overhead light started to slowly sway.
“This is not a good idea,” Margaret decided, backing towards the elevator. But too late, she heard the bell ring behind her and the door slide closed.
Turning, she faced the nurses station. “Well, that was a neat trick,” she said aloud. “I hit the stop button, so you must have pulled it back out. What is it you want?”
A door to her left, the door to the supply room, creaked open slowly. Margaret shook her head. “I wasn’t born yesterday,” she said. “I won’t be going into that room so you can lock me in.”
Hide!
The whispered command chilled Margaret to the bone. “What?” she stammered, her voice catching in her throat.
Hide!
Only then did Margaret hear the footsteps coming down the hall from the darkened unit. Mustering her courage, she slipped inside the supply room and pulled the door to the edge of the doorframe but didn’t close it all the way.
She breathed slowly and softly as her heart pounded against her chest. What in the world was she doing here? She was a grandmother, not a private investigator.
