Read Online Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli - Free Book Online Page B

well-appointed conference room was palpable as board members twisted and turned in their seats , uncertain of why they had been called in . Several members were at the coffee bar. They spoke to each other in low voices. They were not talking with the staff or administrators which seemed strange to Alex.  Alex was always impressed by the collective power and wisdom represented by the trustees .  They were pillars of the community and well acquainted with the nuances of New Orleans.  She had appreciated their wisdom and the open discussions in previous meetings on how to best prepare for Obama C are.  
    Alex turned to John Ashley, " Is Don able to run this meeting?" 
    John shook his head and said, "Don't know, but I am if he isn't.  He's taking this rather poorly , particularly the media fallout. Of course, we all are."
     
    Alex thought John was merely being kind.  Don was incoherent, and seemed unable to speak. It seemed to take an eternity for the next few minutes to pass.  Alex glanced up and saw Dr. Bonnet enter.  She was startled by the look of hatred and disgust that crossed the new board member's face.  She could see the muscles tighten in his jaw as he clenched the table with his hands.  It made her distinctly uncomfortable and even chilled her.  She shrugged off a shiver. "John, maybe you'd better get started.  Doesn't look like Don's going to."
    Dr. Ashley stood up.  "Thank you all for coming on such short notice .  We've a difficult situation here and wanted to update you and get your insight and help . Before we begin, let's introduce ourselves since we have several new people.  I'm John Ashley, the Chief of Medicine here at CCMC . "
    Alex and the other board members re- introduced themselves.    Alex noted that the new board m ember’s name was Kevin Anderson .  She also observed the rapt look that Robert Bonnet gave him.  The look was first confusion, followed by recognition and fear and uncertainty .
    Andre Renou seemed pleasant enough and expressed his concerns, on behalf of Governor Raccine, related to the First Lady's condition. "The Governor is anguished and grieved over this situation.  He's authorized me to offer any and all of his resources, including the State Bureau of Investigation and the State Police , to find out and explain what is happening here as soon as possible."
    Mr. Gottfried LaSalle, an older member of the board of trustees spoke directly to Don Montgomery.  "Mr. Montgomery, I don't know what has happened here.  My secretary was told that there was a crisis over here and to come.  Can you fill me in?"
    Don seemed unable to speak and l ooked helplessly at John Ashley. Picking up on Don’s cue, Dr. Ashley turned to Mr. LaSalle and said, "Sorry, Mr. LaSalle.  I wasn't aware that you hadn't been briefed.  Let me tell you what we know at this point in time.  Later, Captain Francois will be updating us on his investigation."
    Dr. Ashley , his gentle face tense, took a deep breath and began describing the bloody scene hoping he wouldn’t traumatize the older members of the board.  He shuddered inwardly, his stomach knotting as he began the gory tale. "At five-fifteen this morning, the night nurse on Six North was making rounds on her patients.  When she entered Mrs . Raccine's room , she found the first l ady covered in blood and unresponsive. After examining her, t he nurses rang for help. Mrs. Raccine did not appear to be injured.  Her room was in shambles, almost completely destroyed.  The nurse immediately called hospital security and Bette Farve, the administrator on call, who notified me.  I called the others as well as Dr. Bonnet, Mrs. Raccine's physician.  We all arrived here at six.  Someone , we don’t know who, n otified the press and they arrived shortly after we did."  As John stopped for a breath, the board members looked at each other in confusion.  Alex detected bewilderment on several board members’ faces. 
    Lena Marquette said, "Dr.