Read Unchained Memories for Free Online Page B

going to be a public relations nightmare when it gets out. The papers will make it sound like we’re biased against prisoners.” Clay knew full well how at least one of the local papers would sensationalize the story. “It’s actually going to be worse than that. The prisoner was black and the school kids were white.”
    Collins groaned. “Of course.”
    They sat in silence, contemplating the worst.
    Collins was the first to acknowledge it. “There’ll probably be a malpractice suit filed.”
    Clay sighed. “That’s been on my mind all day.” Up until now, he’d been extremely lucky. But as an ER doctor, it was only a matter of time.
    “Are your charts documented?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then you don’t have anything to worry about. You know we’ll support you in any malpractice claim. Try not to let it eat away at you. If a suit is filed, we’ll deal with it. I have full trust in your ability to handle the ER.” He jotted down a note on a yellow sticky pad. “I’ll talk to our public relations department. See if they can neutralize the negative publicity.”
    “Thanks.” Collins had a way of easing the burden, even when things seemed disastrous. Running his fingers through his hair, Clay decided now was a good time to broach another subject.
    “I know there are more cuts coming in the budget, and we’re all going to have to try to live with it, but I really think we need more help in the ER. We’re all working twelve hour shifts four, sometimes five days a week. That’s too much. We’re exhausted. And when we’re exhausted, mistakes happen.”
    “Is that what happened today?”
    “No. But it’s a constant concern.” He paused, hoping to give Collins time to digest his statement. “We need to hire another ER doc. Maybe two.”
    A humorless laugh escaped Collins’ mouth. “And where do you think we’re going to get the money in the budget for that?”
    “That’s not my department. That’s the CEO’s headache.”
    “Maybe. But as head of the ER, you’re the one who has to make your case. Or it will never get to be his problem.”
    “I was hoping to get you to back me up on this.”
    “You’re taking on a huge responsibility if you add two more doctors, but I’ll support you if you come up with a viable plan. Pull together the monthly data. Natalie could help you with the statistics. Then figure out the costs.”
    Clay nodded. “Thanks. I knew I could count on you.”
    “I didn’t say you have my support yet.” A small grin twitched Collins’ lips.
    “I’ll be able to convince you though. I know it.”
    When Clay didn’t get up to leave, Collins gave him a quizzical look. “There couldn’t be more.”
    Clay held up his hand. “Nothing related to the hospital.”
    “Good. Because I can’t take another problem right now.”
    “I understand Charlotte Taylor was here to visit you today.” Clay couldn’t help but smile. “I ran into her as she was leaving. I also saw her at the American Cancer Society Gala a few weeks ago.” His heart pumped a little harder at the memory of seeing her that night, as well as today.
    “Did she tell you why she was here?”
    Clay furrowed his brow at Collins’ somber response. “To say hello since she moved back to the area.”
    “That may have been part of it. But she also came to tell me she has a case against the hospital and Dr. Gallway.”
    Clay’s heart screeched to a stop. “No.” The pained look on Collins’ face told him he’d heard him correctly. “I can’t believe she’d take a case against us?” They’d done so much for her. She couldn’t have forgotten.
    “It’s her job. She works at Cooper, Smith. Med mal is a big part of their practice.”
    “I thought Charlotte’s father was a friend of yours. Wouldn’t she see this as a conflict of interest?”
    Collins chuckled without mirth. “Nice try. But my friendship with Charlotte’s father ten years ago would certainly not prevent her firm from suing this hospital or