Read Online Flashback by Michael Palmer - Free Book Online Page A

flavor, especially his “th” diphthongs, which sounded more like d’s. “I know that many of you are becoming a bit weary with my monthly statements on behalf of those who are not being cared for by this institution, as well as against thoseof you who have slandered my name in this community. Well, I promise you that this will be the last in that series. So, if you will just bear with me …”
    He removed a couple of sheets of yellow legal paper from his suit-coat pocket and spread them out on the podium. Once again, there were muted groans from several spots in the room.
    Zack glanced over at Jason Mainwaring, who now sat motionless, staring impassively at the man. At that moment Suzanne turned and caught his eye. Zack waved a subtle greeting with three fingers, and she nodded in return. She seemed, even at a distance, to be preoccupied.
    “I would like to inform the medical staff of Ultramed-Davis Hospital,” Beaulieu read, adjusting his bifocals, “that I have retained the Concord firm of Nordstrom and Perry, and have filed a class-action suit against this hospital, its administration, its medical staff, and the Ultramed Hospitals Corporation on behalf of the poor and uninsured people in the Ultramed-Davis treatment area. I am being joined in this effort by a number of present and former patients who fall into that group, including Mr. Jean Lemoux, Mr. Ivan MacCregor, and the family of Mme. Yvette Coulombe.
    “The charges, which include unlawful and callous discharge from the hospital, improper patient transfer, and refusal to treat, are currently under review by Legal Assistance of New Hampshire, who have promised a decision in the next two weeks as to whether or not they will join our effort. As I have said many times before, sound, compassionate medical care is a right of all people, not a privilege. The attitude of this facility has, over the past three years, become one of, ‘Why should you get health care just because you are sick?’ We intend to fight that policy.”
    Zack glanced around the room and catalogued myriad reactions among the physicians; few, if any of them, seemed sympathetic, and none of them appeared very threatened or upset. Some were openly exchanging looks and gestures of disgust, and one was actually circling a finger about one ear.
    There are a few docs out there beating the bushes for a job because they thought the same thing, Iverson
. Wilton Marsh-fields warning against bucking the Ultramed system echoed in Zack’s thoughts as he studied the sea of blank and disapproving expressions. Suzanne’s, he noted, fell vaguely in the second group.
    Beaulieu, too, paused and looked about, but then he continued as if unperturbed.
    “In addition to the charges outlined above, we shall document a progressive and unethical blurring of the distinction between medical suppliers and providers, to the point where the care of patients throughout and without this facility is being compromised. We have evidence to back up our position, and every day we acquire more. It is my hope that those on the medical staff who have information which will further substantiate our claims will come forward and present such information to me or to our attorney, Mr. Everett Perry. I assure you that all such disclosures will be kept in the strictest confidence.”
    The man, for all of his “crustiness,” as the Judge had put it, had guts, Zack acknowledged. Again he scanned the room; guts, yes, but not a speck of visible support.
    “Finally,” Beaulieu read on, “I would like to announce that I, personally, have initiated legal action against a member of this staff, as well as against the administration of this hospital, who are, I believe, responsible for the slanderous, inaccurate, and highly damaging rumors regarding my personal and professional conduct. I call upon any physician who has knowledge of this matter to come forward. Again, I promise strictest confidence. Remember, there but for the grace of