by Judith Lucci
Elizabeth stood up. "I've heard enough of this. Let's be positive and focus on security, safety, and the media. Thanks to Alex, we have five days to clear this up. Let's use our time to work together productively."
Alex took the cue and spoke. "Elizabeth's right. I'll be glad to work with the State Police, along with our director of security. John, can you talk with the doctors? I'll ask Monique Desmonde to work on nursing security with me since Bette Farve leaves today to go on vacation." Alex stopped for a moment and looked at Don. "What do you think of this plan? You should have Latetia schedule a meeting of the board as soon as possible to tell them the Governor's concerns."
"Do what you want to. Damn People Magazine. That's what he's pissed about. I'm calling a head hunter so I can get out of this crazy, fucking, voodoo town!" Don threw up his hands and left the room.
John Ashley looked at Robert Bonnet and said gently, "You know, Robert, the Governor's given us a vote of no confidence by transferring Grace."
Robert nodded his head. "Yes, I know, he absolutely has. But, if I were in his shoes, I'd probably have transferred her two days ago. Are you aware that three of the general surgeons have canceled their surgeries at CCMC and rescheduled them over at Jefferson?
"I heard," John said tiredly. "I expect some internists and general practitioners will also divert their patient admissions as well. Anyway, let's savor our small victory and get to work to try and keep this place open past next Monday."
They all nodded to each other, and then departed to their separate offices.
Chapter 11
Alex returned to her office and called Mitch. She wanted to talk with someone completely uninvolved with CCMC. When she got him on the phone, she didn't tell him anything about the meeting with the Governor, saying only that the situation was worsening.
After she made plans to meet him for dinner at eight that evening, Alex sat at her desk and mulled over the Governor's ultimatum. As much as she hated to admit it, Don did have a point. It seemed strange that the Governor had even considered, much less planned, to close the medical center. Such behavior was unprecedented. The more she thought about it, the more Alex was convinced of the possibility that CCMC was involved in some type of political power struggle. She considered calling her grandfather to get his advice on the situation, but decided to wait. Just then, Bridgett buzzed her from the outer office.
"Can you talk to Elizabeth? She wants you to meet with the press in about forty-five minutes."
"Put her through, better still, ask her to come over."
As Alex was glancing through Elizabeth's list of anticipated questions from the press, she remembered Martin's conversation about the voodoo museum. She still wondered if the museum had any knowledge of the events at CCMC. Alex made the decision to visit the museum after work.
Elizabeth arrived, a bit out of breath, within five minutes. Her long dark hair hung loose in wavy curls giving her a more vulnerable look than she possessed most days. "I told the press we'd meet with them at nine-thirty and apologized for the delay. There's a whole horde of them. It’s amazing. I think every news media, even from the more rural parts of Kansas, are out there. What do you think of the statement? We can present it and take fifteen minutes of questions."
"Scared?" Alex said in a rueful voice.
"Of course, aren't you?”
"Hell yes! You don't look it," Alex said as she read Elizabeth's statement. “You look really calm, cool, and collected.” Alex nodded her head, approvingly. The statement was simple and straightforward. It acknowledged that two gunmen, apparently searching for drugs, had entered the emergency department the afternoon before. It also confirmed the deaths, and ended with the assurance that CCMC was operating at full capacity, with tightened security, and remained the only world-class hospital in Louisiana.
"Looks good. The most important thing we have to do is get across to them, and the public, that CCMC is a safe place to get medical care. If we can convince people of that, perhaps we'll be able to increase our inpatient admissions and outpatient visits. How many questions do you think we'll get? I don't have a feel for this sort of thing."
"More than we want to answer based on my experience. You look over the list I made last night?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yeah, I think you're pretty much on target. Of course, who knows? So far, the media seem to be one step ahead of us. Let's ask each reporter to identify themselves and their affiliation before they ask their question. Why don't you answer each question initially, and then I'll add necessary comments."
"Good,” Liz said. "Did you see The Times Picayune this morning?”
"Robert and I read the article a little after six this morning when we were having coffee. We couldn't believe the accuracy of the news story,” Alex continued as she noticed the look of surprise on Elizabeth's face.
Elizabeth was silent.
"Liz, what's up? You looked surprised, even shocked. You know something I don't?"
Elizabeth remained quiet, and Alex realized that Elizabeth had totally misunderstood her visit with Robert early that morning.
Alex hastened to set the record straight. "Elizabeth... Robert just stopped by to give me a report on Diane and find out what'd happened at the meeting. He was on his way to the hospital. That was it, really. There is nothing else."
"Of course. You don't need to explain, it's really okay." Elizabeth was blushing.
"Elizabeth, Robert may be my ex-husband, but he's also my friend. We're good friends, and that's all. There’s nothing else going on, I swear." Alex gave Liz a hard look. “Understand? I don’t want any rumors going around.”
Liz held up her arm but she looked hurt that Alex could think she would spread rumors. "Say no more. I understand. I am trustworthy.” Changing the subject Elizabeth continued, “What else should we expect from the press, particularly in the way of questions?"
"I don't know, but I have something else I want to talk to you about. This morning, Martin told me about some people who'd visited the voodoo museum last night. Apparently, they were told the voodoo war wasn't over. I don't know what that means, but I'm thinking about going down there after work. Want to come?"
"To a voodoo museum?"
"Yes, Martin said he'd take me anytime. It may be a blind lead, but it's the only lead we have at this point. I'm going to follow it up."
"Can we go out for drinks afterward? I have to have something to look forward to after a trip to the voodoo museum?"
"Sure. Sounds great. You game?"
"Help me through this press conference, and I'll go anywhere with you."
Laughing, Alex and Liz left Alex's office.
Bridgett looked at them like they were crazy as they passed her desk. "What’s so funny? Please tell me. There’s not much to laugh about in this place anymore." Bridgett looked at her watch. "It's only a little after nine, and I feel like I've been here all day. By the way, Alex, since you obviously aren’t going to tell me what is so funny, I'm setting up a board of trustees meeting for tomorrow morning at 9:00. Consider yourself informed. Attendance is mandatory."
Alex was happy to see a bit of the sparkle back in Bridgett’s big blue eyes. "You got it, Bridge. If we're still alive after this press conference, I'll bring the doughnuts," Alex replied, and, still laughing, the women made their way to the hospital auditorium.
Bridgett shook her head, and smiled at the retreating backs of the two women. What a beautiful and powerful combination they are, she thought. Both women were tall and each dressed in dark colored business suits. Both Alex with her long hair in an elegant French twist and Liz with her dark curls appeared in control and self-assured. They’ll wow the media, Bridgett thought. This place is gonna make it after all. She smiled and returned to her computer happy that she had decided to bite the bullet and return to CCME to “fight” the voodoo curse.
Alex and Elizabeth appeared calm and confident as they approached the press. There were hundreds of print media reps, and the entire parking lot was fi
lled with TV news vans and camera crews.
Elizabeth whispered fiercely, "Wow, can you believe this Alex? I don’t think Obama brings out this many news vans. Are you ready?”
"Yep, we'll be great." Alex squeezed her hand.
It was chaotic, and the confusion was intense. People were shouting and pushed forward to get near the two CCMC employees. Most of the initial questions from the reporters were directed at the emergency department disaster.
Alex and Elizabeth were able to field the questions skillfully, constantly reinforcing the safety and excellent medical care at CCMC.
Then one reporter who introduced himself as Steve Parker from the Miami Sentinel said, "I have it on good authority that the emergency department shootout was voodoo related. Can you verify this?"
Elizabeth responded without hesitation. "The New Orleans Police Department has established a connection between the dead gunman and voodoo. We have little information on these findings and the cause remains under investigation. Contact the NOPD for further information but I don’t know if they are releasing any evidence."
Liz pointed to an attractive blonde reporter on the front row.
"I'm Susan Roshen from the Washington Post. Do you think there's a plot to destroy Crescent City Medical Center?"
Alex thought for a moment. "A plot? I don’t think so. We're certainly encountering some unfortunate events but we have no knowledge or evidence of a plot and don't know a reason why anyone would plot against Crescent City Medical Center."
The journalist continued, undeterred. "Please, Ms. Destephano. Let's get real. Health care is one of the most lucrative and competitive businesses in America. It's also the fastest growing business. No one knows or has a clue about what Obama’s Health Care Portability Act will do to medical centers who stand alone, are independent and not members of huge health care organizations or conglomerates. Your viability is significant. Corporations will go to any length to keep their market share at any expense. Why should health care be any different? Don't you think someone is out to destroy you, or at least destroy your image in preparation for a quick take-over?"
Alex grappled with the question, and then replied, "Ms. Roshen, I don't know how to answer your question. I can assure you the hospital's executive management, the board of trustees, the New Orleans Police Department and federal authorities will be investigating every possible reason for what has happened here. I can assure you that there are currently no negotiations with any outside organizations about an acquisition or merger. CCMC is financially solvent and intends to remain independent.”
A voice from the back of the crowd said clearly, as if speaking through a microphone. "You people are crazy. You think you are such smart asses. I heard Governor Raccine is going to close CCMC just as soon as he can. He thinks this place is cursed and bad for New Orleans. When's the hospital scheduled to close?"
The silence was deafening.
Finally Alex spoke. "Sorry, sir. I didn't get your name. Could you repeat it?"
"I'm from the Dayton Daily News in Ohio. I heard the Governor's going to close the hospital. When's your closure date?"
The voice was clear, distinct, and persistent. The reporters were listening intently and scribbling notes.
Alex smiled, although she felt breathless. "I assure you we have no date for any hospital closure. We do not plan to close. It is business as usual here at CCMC. Crescent City Medical Center is open for business. Governor Raccine has voiced concern about the recent events here, as he should, and has offered the assistance of the Louisiana State Police in an effort to quell any further incidents.”
Elizabeth moved to close the press conference. "Thank you for your time and patience. We'll keep you posted on further findings, but we're confident things are back to normal at CCMC."
Elizabeth and Alex left the auditorium. Neither spoke as they climbed four flights of steps.
When they reached Alex's office, Elizabeth collapsed in a chair and said quickly, "What the hell. How did anyone know that? Where's the leak? There must be a leak? We've only known for two hours."
Alex shook her head and said, "I don't know. Must be a rumor in the Governor's Office or someone here must have heard. I can't imagine anyone on the executive committee talking to reporters. It couldn’t be our Board of Trustees. They don’t even know yet. I'll let Don and the others know. I'm more and more suspicious that someone's plotting against this place. Maybe we are cursed!"
"Well," said Elizabeth, as she brightened a bit. "Maybe we'll find out more at the voodoo museum. I've got to go return calls. See you at four."
As Alex returned to her desk, she had a fleeting thought that perhaps Don could be sabotaging his own medical center, and then considering that idea far-fetched, she discarded it.
With the minutes ticking by, Alex continued to ponder the idea of an internal leak. It seemed as though someone was deliberately and maliciously out to get them. But who? She knew the New Orleans healthcare market pretty well and couldn’t imagine other health care systems who would want to hurt them. CCMC had picked up most of the indigent care in New Orleans, a patient population that the uptown hospitals didn’t want to care for. The hospital’s Psychiatric Pavilion also housed some of the most dangerously mentally ill patients in the state, another unpopular vulnerable population. What CCMC did have that other local medical centers did not was a huge international self-pay population that other hospitals coveted. They also had the best physicians and surgeons in the New Orleans area. The idea of corporate sabotage was becoming a fixed possibility in her mind. Her thoughts returned to that idea throughout the afternoon. She even began to wonder if the hospital conference room was bugged. She decided the executive team should meet somewhere else, at least until this stuff was over.
Bridgett came to the door. "Martin's on the phone. He wants to know if you're going to go to that place you discussed this morning."
"Yes, ask him to pick me up at five. Call Elizabeth and tell her to meet me here just before." Alex didn’t dare tell Bridgett that she was visiting a voodoo museum in the French Quarter. That would send Bridgett way over the edge.
Chapter 12
Martin was telling terrible Cajun jokes to Elizabeth and Alex as he darted in and out of the rush hour traffic. Alex couldn’t wait to get out of the cab. She tried, without success, to get Martin to talk about other topics but he was resistant. He didn’t seem to want to talk about the events at CCMC. Alex suspected he was more intimidated by voodoo than he admitted.
Elizabeth, tired of the jokes, tried changing the subject as well. She was more successful than Alex was. “Martin, have you ever known anyone who practiced voodoo? I can't imagine anyone could believe in that stuff in 2012."
Martin's tone became serious. "Don’t make fun of it, Elizabeth. It’s life here in New Orleans. It’s our culture. I ain't gonna throw you no stuff. Voodoo's big in this city. I've known plenty of voodoos. There are still lots of white witches all up and down the Avenue in the Garden District. Rich white women conspiring with their servants to do harm to each other. Voodoo means ‘spirit of god’ so these folks are thinkin’ they are practicing their religion, just like you do in church. Back in the time of Marie Laveau, it's said she had power in every house and every wealthy white family in town. They say that Marie knew everybody's secrets and that's how she got so rich and powerful because she hexed and cursed them when she was angry. Then they hired her and paid her big money to remove the curses. She was mighty powerful."
"Who was Marie Laveau?" Alex and Elizabeth said simultaneously.
"Marie was the Queen of the Voodoos here in Nawlins’ for over eighty years. I can remember my grandmamma talking about her. She said Marie was as beautiful as a woman can be. Even when she was old, she always wore big gold hoop earrings. People would bow down and worship Queen Marie when she walked through Congo Square. She was the most powerful voodooist in New Orleans, maybe even in the world. They say her ghost still walks once each year on St. John’s Eve. She�
��s buried over in St. Louis Cemetery. I can take you there if you like."
"How did she know all the rich people? What did she do so she knew all the powerful people?" Elizabeth asked.
"She was a hairdresser. She fixed all the rich ladies’ hair and learned all of their secrets. Some say she was a maid, a house servant. She would charm the husbands and make them cheat on their wives with her. Don’t know that I believes all of that. I don't think so." Martin stopped for a few moments to think and shook his head negatively. "Rumors says there were really two Marie Laveau’s. The second was her daughter who took her place when she died. Some say the second Marie was even more beautiful and powerful than her mother. They say her powers of evil could kill and hurt folk forever, and that she had more potent magic potions and gris than anybody. She communed with the devil every night and killed anyone she thought was her enemy or was getting too powerful. Some say she killed her own mother, the first Marie Laveau, out of jealously." Martin paused, and waited to make a left turn.
"What else? This is pretty interesting," Elizabeth was intrigued. It was much more interesting than Cajun jokes and stories.
Martin loved having the attention of the two lovely women and continued, “Well, she could charm snakes and spread curses. My grandmamma had a friend that crossed the second Queen Marie. My grandmother swears that Marie stole and sacrificed my grandmamma's friend's baby. She sacrificed the baby at a voodoo gathering out at Bayou St. John. Others say Marie kept the baby's skeleton in her parlor as a reminder to any woman who ever crossed her again. Queen Marie was a powerful voodooist, and peoples were scared of her. Some say she was full of love too, but I don't know. I just know what I hear."
Alex was a bit miffed at Martin. Wasn’t it only yesterday that he'd told her he didn't know much about voodoo? What was all of this about?
"Tell me more about it." Elizabeth was sitting on the edge of her seat. "How'd your grandmother's friend know her baby was taken by the Voodoos? What happened to the baby?"
