Title: Patients in Purgatory
A Reverend Christie Mystery: Book Two
Author: William T. Delamar
ISBN: 978-1-62420-187-5
Email: delamarw@juno.com
Genre: Mystery
Excerpt Heat Level: 1
Book Heat Level: 3
TAGLINE
Why are there so many shallow unmarked graves? Why is
that crazy nursing home administration spying on anyone visiting? What’s
happening here?
BLURB
Reverend
Oxford Christie visits a patient in a strange nursing home, one of a number
owned and operated by The Group, Inc. Its profit far exceeds that of the
typical nursing home, and patients seem to disappear. The state’s system of
nursing home inspections is deeply flawed to the extent that severe and
continued abuse easily goes unchecked. The Group, Inc. becomes aware of
Christie’s nosing around and orders are given to do whatever is necessary to
stop his snooping. Ox, aware that he is being watched, is torn between the
possible danger to his wife and children and the suspicion that the incredible
abuse of helpless patients is even worse than what’s been observed.
EXCERPT
Ox
kept Tuesday open so he could run over to the nursing home without Elmer. Elmer
seemed to be feeling a little better about the place, but Ox knew something was
just too pat. What really seemed strange was the limited staff for such a big
place. There were now two aides on Rebecca's floor plus the receptionist. The
two orderlies, Link Unger, and the nameless big doctor wandered in and out.
Starky was more evident. There was also the man who had gathered up the
trashcans outside. Maybe
he was from a maintenance department. The third floor seemed deserted as far as
staff was concerned. He hadn't seen anyone in the basement, although he had
heard whistling. There just weren't enough people for such a big place.
Pulling
into their parking lot, he saw a car that looked suspiciously like the one that
stayed behind him all the way home. He wondered if he was getting paranoid. He
walked back to the 'off-limits' building.
Link
seemed less stressed. Evidently, Ox had won his trust.
"Just
so you know, Link, Miss Starky really is a nice person underneath. She just has
a difficult job. I want you to go upstairs with me. You spend all your time
down here and that's not right. You should be familiar with the whole building.
After all, you are responsible for it."
"Are
you sure it's okay?"
"Absolutely."
Ox was sure the angels would forgive him for the little lie. It was for a good
cause.
"Well,
okay."
They
had just reached the staircase when the front door swung open and an unfamiliar
man walked in. He was short and stocky in build with a large head and pointed
ears. He wore a large diamond tie tack indicating money.
"We
thought we saw your car out there. I'm Joe Bush, the assistant administrator.
What are you doing back here? You know this building's off-limits." He
turned to Link Unger. "If we ever see you talking to this man again, you
are history."
Ox
said, "Actually he was just reminding me the building is off-limits. Said
he isn't even allowed up these steps. I just dropped by to say hi. I'm getting ready to visit
Rebecca Rhine."
"She's
already had two visitors today. What are you up to? Getting your whole stupid
congregation intruding on us?"
"Actually,
there are two members of the Philadelphia Police Department in the
congregation. Would you like for them to visit?"
"Take
my advice. Keep your nose out of our business."
"Is
visiting a patient intruding on you in some way?"
"Just
be aware, we know where your church is, and your family."
Bush
turned and held the door open. A large diamond ring on his hand reflected the
sunlight.
"Mr.
Bush, that sounds very much like a threat."
"The
boss doesn't like interference."
"I'll
drop up to see Miss Rhine."
"You
do that and then don't
come back here again."
Ox
walked to the front and then decided to sit in his car and think about what had
just happened. There was no longer any question – something was rotten in Denmark. He had been there
only a few minutes when Joe Bush rounded the corner pushing Link Unger in front
of him. Link looked scared out of his wits. They didn't glance in his direction,
but went directly into the building. A few second later, Joe Bush stepped back out and glared in Ox's
direction. Ox ducked down. When he peeped out, Bush was gone. The receptionist
must have told him Ox hadn't come in.
Ox
decided he would leave. He couldn't take any threats against his family. This
called for a different tactic. He started the car and headed back to the
church. They would definitely start a nursing home watch program. He would do a
sermon on it.
He
glanced in the rearview mirror. It didn't appear he was being followed. He
stayed in the slow lane and found himself in a line of traffic stopped for a
UPS truck. Cars in the left lane zipped past. One was the car from the parking
lot.
The
truck finally moved and now Ox was in a hurry. He decided to go home before
going back to the church.
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