Pennsylvania's Finest, page 13
The following two weeks of September were uneventful at the PGH. Before Phil knew it he awoke on the final Friday of his CT rotation. No surgery was scheduled that day and he wasn’t on call that evening. Dr. Drummer was in a great mood as he left the Greycliff Apartment complex.
Upon exiting his room he turned left towards the elevators. Immediately walking towards him was floor mate Maria Cruz. A short, handsome man walked next to her carrying a suitcase. He has about two inches shorter that Maria and had a smile on his face.
“Phil,” said Maria happily as the group stopped in front of each other. “I would like you to meet Ralf, my good friend from Chicago.” Maria stuttered somewhat over the wording of good friend.
The two men shook hands with Phil saying, “Please to meet you Ralph.”
“That’s Ralf,” said the smiling young man with a Teutonic accent. He firmly shook Phil’s hand then saying, “A pleasure to meet you Phil.” His enunciation was excellent.
“Ralf just took an internship downtown and will be spending the next three months here,” said a smiling Cruz.
Phil looked back at her nodding his head with a smile. He couldn’t believe how beautiful Maria looked that early in the morning.
“Just got into town on the red eye,” was her next line.
“Welcome to Philadelphia,” said Phil.
An uncomfortable two seconds then passed between the three without a word being said. The men shook their heads up and down at each other with a smile. Phil then looked at Maria realizing the awkwardness in her position. Ralf was obviously her frequently mentioned boyfriend from Chicago.
“Well enjoy your stay,” stammered Phil. “Have a good stay,” was his next line as he headed toward the elevator.
“So long,” said the couple in unison while turning away to head down the hallway.
Phil gathered his social composure while riding the elevator down to the lobby, realizing that his increasingly frequent visits to Maria’s apartment would have to cease. He thought it peculiar that she never mentioned the possibility of her Ralf coming to Philadelphia. The implications of their impromptu meeting occupied his mind during the walk to PGH.
Hospital rounds that morning were festive in nature. The CT team assuredly saw every patient with a happy grin. Medical students Roden and Bankart deftly sidestepped the pulling of chest tubes while Phil was quick to the dressing bucket and stethoscope. Chief Resident Larson even took the time to point out some clinical teaching points to the medical students. Upon exiting their last patient room on the seventh floor they ran directly into a group of medical interns rounding.
“Look,” said Larson, “They haven’t moved in three months.” The medical interns sneered in return having heard the comment.
“To the steps,” said Phil. The team then raced down the hall to the stairwell. They rapidly descended several flights of stairs arriving in the cafeteria.
“Widow makers for everyone,” said Chief Resident Larson upon entering the cafeteria. “It’s on me,” was his next comment.
The excitable team stepped up to the cafeteria line where Cookie was working behind the counter.
“Four widow makers,” said Phil smiling at Cookie.
“Four widow makers coming up,” said Cookie just as excited. He then turned to the grill and rapidly mixed some pre-made egg batter with onions, cheese, mushrooms and bacon bits. The concoction was then placed in a series of preheated omelet pans. Cookie moved quickly and whistled all the while. In the middle of the preparation he sang out a brief song to the attentive crowd. He turned and smiled at the team after the ditty. It was his signature tune from an old jazz album. Phil clapped in appreciation as the dietary worker placed four cholesterol packed omelet’s, better know as widow makers, in front of the team.
Everyone enjoyed the victory breakfast that morning. The surgical team relived the high and low points of their three-month rotation with gusto. Even medical student Bankart had a smile on her face when Phil described Knight tossing her cell phone across the room in a rage.
“Only one fatality,” said Dr. Larson on a more somber note.
“Yea, that was sad,” said Phil. “Old Willie seemed like a nice man.”
A moment of silent respect passed before medical student Roden spoke. “I still can’t believe that autopsy,” was his comment shaking his head. “Gives me nightmares.”
“I still can smell that horrible stench,” said Phil only then recalling that Melissa Bankart had passed out during the autopsy.
“Let’s be thankful it was only one,” said Larson. Knight took that one kind of hard. “Overall it was a fine three months and everyone here will get my highest recommendation.”
“Thank you,” said the students in reply.
Larson then directed the team to lay low that morning. Some menial tasks were given to the students. He noted that ICU rounds that afternoon would be earlier than usual at 2 PM. Dr. Knight was heading out of town for the weekend and had to get to the airport. The joyous team then departed ways for the rest of the morning.
At exactly 2 PM Dr. Knight strolled down the long hallway to the surgical ICU. In stride with him was Jennifer Ranier who was dressed to the nines. She had on a tight black skirt and an off white satin blouse with the top two buttons undone. Black stiletto heels complemented the ensemble. Her hair was in a tight bun and she wore a set of black fashion glasses. Atop this outfit was a starched and spotless white lab coat that allowed only her legs to appear below the hem. Her appearance was show stopping to all in the ICU.
“Good morning team,” said Knight obviously in good spirits with his exceptional arm candy in tow. “I believe Mr. Charles is the only patient remaining in the unit.”
“Yes,” said Larson. “Doing well, his incision looks good and he is tolerating foods well. Should be leaving the unit this evening.”
“Very good,” said Knight leading the team into Mr. Charles’ room.
Upon entering the room Dr. Knight’s V.I.P. personality went into high gear. “Brett good afternoon,” was his vociferous hello to the patient.
“Richard, good to see you,” was the patient’s response. He extended his hand to Knight who shook it.
Knight smiled as he shook the hand of Brett Charles. Mr. Charles was the partner of a well-known investment firm in Philadelphia. He handled several of Knight’s portfolio accounts with much appreciated success. Like Knight he enjoyed Porsches. It was obvious to the team that he also enjoyed young women. While shaking Knight’s hand his gaze couldn’t help but wander upon the voluptuous assistant standing beside him.
“P.A. Ranier, so good to see you again,” was his next comment. He extended his hand, which Ranier shook.
“Everything looks well,” said Knight. “Should be out of this unit later on today.”
“Great,” said Mr. Charles while still gazing at Ranier and holding her hand.
“I’ll be gone this weekend but Dr. Larson here will keep a close eye on you.” He turned to Larson while still speaking to the patient, “He will give you all the personal attention you need.”
“Why thank you Richard,” said the patient. “I feel great. Not bad for a 60 year old,” was his next comment to the team.
At that moment nurse Cruise entered the room quietly. As the patient-physician conversation continued she approached the IV pole standing beside the patient’s bed. She took off the old IV bag, which was depleted. She then quickly scanned a new bag of IV fluid and hung it up. She opened the fluid valve and left the room.
Knight was wrapping up his dialogue and took a quick look at the IV bag. His motion was merely for show to instill more confidence in his broker.
“Normal saline with a little potassium,” said Larson at that moment. “His K is running a bit low,” was his next line.
Knight looked back at Larson and paused for effect, “Excellent Dr. Larson, I agree.” He slowly nodded his head in approval.
Mr. Charles extended a warm thank you to everyone for their fine care and attention to detail, especially P.A. Ranier. Dr. Knight and his entourage then left the room, as the surgical team gathered for one last time at the ICU nursing station.
“I’ll be out of town through Monday morning,” said Knight to Larson. “I expect you to keep things tight,” was his final comment before leaving. He then failed to thank Phil and the students for three months of hard work, only to rapidly disappear down the hall with Ranier at his side.
“Where’s he headed?” said Phil to Pete Larson.
“L.A. for a conference,” was his reply. Larson then looked at Phil and the students in front of him saying, “Good job team, until we meet again.” He then turned and departed down the hallway. The surgical team then fully dispersed in anticlimactic fashion, committing their months of work to a memory.
Phil left the PGH early that afternoon. He had a quick dinner with Jim Turner who already knew about Maria Cruz’s significant other moving onto the floor. The two then traveled to South Philadelphia to watch a Flyers preseason hockey game.
Dr. Knight’s flight was direct from Philadelphia to Los Angeles International Airport. He was traveling alone and enjoyed both a first class nip of vodka and the young perky flight attendant catering to him throughout the flight. He arrived in Los Angeles at 6:30 PM west coast time, feeling uncharacteristically refreshed from the cross-country flight. Upon exiting the ramp an attendant notified him of an urgent call awaiting him.
Knight quickly went to the phone thinking of his wife and her plans for the weekend, which in no way he could recall. A picture of his frail father entered into his mind, as did the last time he saw him months ago. Upon picking up the phone he immediately recognized the shaken voice of Dr. Barnes, who informed him of the unexpected death of Mr. Brett Charles. His subsequent words of consolation didn’t register in Knight’s mind, as he hung up the phone some three thousand miles away.
CHAPTER 13 Birthday Surprise
The first Saturday of October was sunny and cool in the city. The crisp autumn air was a welcome to all after a long hot summer. Two days earlier Jennifer Ranier turned 33 years old. She celebrated her birthday that day with a visit from her dad and brother, while enjoying a quiet dinner at a local pub. As usual Jennifer had to carefully discuss her social status with the family. Explaining a penthouse apartment and Mercedes Benz was never an easy task. Her father and brother suspected a wealthy companion but played along to keep the peace. They were well aware of Jennifer’s historical penchant for relationship intricacy.
Her birthday evening was lonely. After dinner she returned to her apartment and called a few out of town friends. That night found Dr. Knight at a fund raising dinner for the Pennsylvania Academy of Music. The gala was a formal tuxedo and evening gown celebration and included a premier performance of the Russian Ballet Company in the United States that year. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring was the feature attraction. Knight certainly couldn’t miss this event since he was on the Academy’s board of trustees. Ranier knew quite well that a major social function involving Knight and his wife was impregnable. She hated those nights the most.
The only thing Ranier could do that evening was plan. She knew that Knight was leaving the following afternoon for California. Therefore the weekend was free and she declared it her personal birthday celebration. Already in place was a Saturday shopping spree with her two best local girlfriends, Stacey Rickett and Laura Jones, employees of the PGH social services department. They befriended Jennifer upon her arrival to the PGH several years ago. Each girl was single and several years younger than Ranier. All three women enjoyed shopping, followed by dinner and a good night out on the town. It was understood that the financial cost of the junket would be on the tab of the removed Dr. Knight, a perk well appreciated by two girls on a social worker’s salary. The Saturday blowout was then followed by plans for a Sunday trip north. The fall foliage was starting to peak and the girls were planning a trip to the bucolic town of Jim Thorpe. More shopping was scheduled, as was a wellness visit to a local spa with a Zen aura. All in all the weekend program personified the adage that when the cat is away, the mice will play.
The only ingredient missing in Ranier’s birthday recipe was a male companion. This essential element represented the crux of all the weekend festivities. It was the sine quo non of a successful birthday jubilee. Jennifer Ranier knew that Phil Drummer was that essential ingredient. The question was how difficult would it be to complete the formula? Ranier knew that the groundwork had been laid for a relationship over the past few months. Her contacts with Phil were precise and well calculated. The rumors that followed were expected and part of the whole approach. Most important to the equation was the fact that a reciprocal vibe was appreciated from the young intern. The question in Ranier’s mind wasn’t if a dalliance was going occur, rather it was when.
Ranier however knew she was heading out of her safe harbor and into uncharted waters. If her imagined relationship progressed forward in any capacity it would mark the ruin of her lifestyle. Dr. Knight was a man of quick and definite action. Over the years a no tolerance policy was made clear to her with regards to other men. Knight was obsessed with control, possession and dominance. No other competitor was allowed into the arena. On the other hand she did realize that their relationship was growing stale. She couldn’t imagine a happily ever after ending to the story between them. Knight was socially committed to his wife despite his documented track record outside the boundaries of marriage. Ranier had tolerated the circumstances for four years to date. It was a time for change and she knew the change would be quick and ugly. She was mentally prepared to move forward despite the expected consequences.
That Saturday morning she confidently picked up her cell phone and called Phil Drummer. Phil had just come back to his apartment from a jog. He ran alone that morning having lost his Brazilian beauty to her boyfriend. He had just exited the shower when his cell phone rang. Running out to his bedroom with only a towel around his waist, he glanced at the cell number realizing it was Ranier calling. He paused a second, then took a deep breath and answered the phone. Phil was also acutely aware of the fact that he was heading into unchartered territory with Ranier.
“Hey, what are you up to?” asked Ranier.
“Just finished a run,” replied Phil. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Oh just planning out the day,” said Ranier. “I’m having a little birthday celebration with the social work girls tonight, thought you may want to join us.”
“Who is having a birthday?” asked Phil in jest.
“You’re talking to the birthday girl,” said Ranier quite aware of the ploy.
“Wow, so you can legally drink now,” said Phil.
“I’ve been legally drinking for a long time,” said a laughing Ranier.
Their conversation then outlined her plans for some shopping and dinner with the social workers. She then mentioned some late night drinks at a downtown bar. An open invitation was given for Phil and whoever accompanied him to join the party.
“Sounds great,” said Phil. “My only problem is the Special Olympics program today at Franklin Field. I’ve been a volunteer at the event every year through med school and I’m trying to continue the tradition.”
“No problem,” said Ranier with some disappointment in her voice. “How late does the event run?”
“The track events are into the late afternoon. This year we are having an evening banquet to hand out the awards. Probably run until about 9 PM.”
Ranier let out a slow sigh accompanied by an “O.K., no problem.” She then regrouped and continued, “Well you know where to find us in case you get out early. It would be great to have a few drinks with you. It would make the birthday celebration complete.”
The conversation then ended with Phil giving the birthday girl some hope of showing up, depending on how late the event ran that evening. He then ended the call and returned to his morning routine. The phrase of “making the birthday celebration complete” reverberated in his mind.
By noontime that Saturday Phil was having lunch with Jim Turner and reliving the highlights of his cardiothoracic rotation. Turner was shocked by the description of the Willie Brown autopsy. He sat amazed listening to the tales of Dr. Knight and his cabbage patch. During this conversation Phil mentioned Jennifer Ranier’s birthday and asked Turner if he wanted to accompany him to the get together. Turner declined keeping in line with his low social profile. Turner was a studying machine and usually hit the books every night of the week. He studied with a single desk lamp on and the remainder of his apartment dark. His desk seat would look over the inner courtyard of the Greycliff. Across the street was a park where locals frequently walked their dogs. Turner loved the view, keeping a pair of binoculars on the windowsill to keep tabs on the park regulars.
After Phil wrapped up his summary of the strange and unusual, Turner took his turn. “I was on call last night,” said Turner. “Wait till you hear this story.”
“Go ahead,” said Phil. “Did it involve an exotic animal?” Drummer enjoyed his on call stories regarding unusual pets such as snakes, ferrets or iguanas. He was amazed at the breadth of knowledge that a vet student had to have.
“A lady calls frantic in the morning saying she was going on vacation and late to catch a plane.”
“Yea,” said Phil.
“She lays all of her medications out for that morning but in a rush accidentally gives her medications to the dog,” said Turner with an amazed look on his face. “She then takes the dog medications for herself only then realizing that the pills didn’t taste well and were too large.”
“Whoa,” said Phil. “Did they survive?”
