Pennsylvania's Finest, page 26
“The question is who?” said legal.
“Someone you must trust,” said Rineman. “Someone within your inner circle that currently has, or had access to the token.”
“Does anyone immediately come to mind?” asked legal. “Anyone that you trusted so well that they had access to your token and password?”
Knight turned slightly away from the cowering Mr. Asher. He looked down towards the ground with a frown upon his face, while his eyes blinked rapidly. Subconsciously a suppression of his memory banks occurred, not allowing him to tally a list of possible offenders. Despite his best efforts to create a list of top candidates, only one name was allowed to escape from his cerebral cortex. That name was Jennifer Ranier. Jennifer Ranier, the beautiful blonde, carefree girl from Baltimore that he loved so much. The name screamed into his skull, resonating with an echo that was both deafening and blinding. The shrill caused Knight to look up at the faces surrounding him, staring and waiting for an answer. Jennifer Ranier, it was Jennifer Ranier! Despite the utter shrill of the name, he was incapable of saying it to the group surrounding him.
“Richard,” said Dr. Barnes, “Can you help us? Does anyone come to mind that would do such a thing?”
“I recommend you notify the police department immediately,” said Knight who then turned and bolted towards the door. “Tell them that someone has killed four of my patients,” was his exiting cry. While rushing out he was unaware of the shouted questions from his colleagues and legal advisors, who were all left behind in disbelief. Only one thought registered in his mind as he rushed down the hallway towards the stairwell exit. He needed to see Ranier immediately. Only she held the answer to his questions, certainly she would have an explanation.
The startled group remaining in Rineman’s office then agreed to notify the authorities. An immediate call was placed to the Philadelphia Police Department, who requested Rineman and his legal team report to their headquarters. Detectives from the homicide division would be awaiting their arrival. Dr. Barnes then requested Asher to disable Dr. Knight’s token, which he rapidly accomplished. Then as the team rushed out of the CEO’s office, legal checked his watch while smugly looking at his posse. He grinned, knowing from past experience that it was going to be a long night, a long, but very lucrative night.
CHAPTER 23 New Year’s Reunion
Dr. Knight raced out of the hospital heading across the street to the adjacent parking lot. His black Porsche sat poised in its reserved slot. Upon entering the vehicle he fumbled into the glove compartment, searching for a knowingly hated device. Then, from the depths of the compartment, his hand pulled out a cell phone. The instrument was outdated by three generations of technology, yet still held a charge. The doctor turned on the phone and scrolled down a list of stored numbers. Only two phone numbers existed in the cell’s call list, representing the only two things that actually mattered in Knight’s life. Listed in the top spot was a number titled “O.R. PGH.” Below this number in the second slot, was simply a name, that being “Jenna.” Knight quickly clicked on this number and held the phone up to his ear as the Porsche’s engine revved to life.
Jennifer Ranier was three blocks away from the parking lot, fighting a stiff head wind while walking back to the Greycliff. The temperature was rapidly dropping that day, with an icy cold rain starting to fall. She had just completed assisting in a plastic surgery emergency case that afternoon. Her workday was over, with no plans set for that evening’s New Year celebration. Phil was on call at the hospital, and the social work girls had some “boy toys” well lined up in advance for the night. The only thing registering in her mind at that moment was a hot shower, warm meal and good book under a blanket.
The ring of her cell phone barely reached her auditory canal as the wind howled down the streets. Jenna reached for the device wishing she had worn gloves that chilly day. While peering at the cell’s screen, she had to wipe some raindrops that had obstructed her gaze. Then, as the caller number came into view, she stopped dead in her tracks, suddenly unaware of the elements. A moment of hesitation occurred as a myriad of thoughts raced through her mind. Then, curiosity overcame her, prompting her to receive the call and place the phone to her ear.
“Jenna, it’s me,” was the reply to her hello.
“What do you want?” asked Jenna with a tone that matched the weather conditions. She slid into the confines of a bus stop shelter to ease the whine of the approaching storm’s wind.
“I need to talk to you, where are you?” asked Knight.
“What’s there to talk about?” said Ranier. “I got all my boxes out of your place by myself, thanks for the professional pack job.”
“Jenna, what I need to talk to you about is much bigger than that,” said a hurried Knight. “Trust me, we need to talk now.”
“What’s so important?” asked Ranier with a peaking interest. A cold tone was maintained in the response.
“We need to meet in person,” said Knight. “The whole matter is just too unbelievable to discuss over a cell line.”
“I really don’t have anything to discuss with you,” said Ranier as she waved off a city driver that was looking at her impatiently through an open bus door. The drone of the bus pulling away muffled Knight’s next line. Jenna was however able to hear Knight asking her where she was at that very moment. Unaware of his near presence, she looked up at the city intersection and recited the street names.
“I’m nearby, will be right there,” was Knight’s rapid response.
“Don’t bother,” said Jenna as she heard the call being terminated. She then put the phone away while pulling her collar tight to her neck. Upon exiting the shelter the groaning wind of the developing tempest caused her body to shutter. She proceeded to walk briskly west in a homeward direction, wondering what possibly could be the matter of such extreme importance.
Then, just one city block later, Jenna was able to appreciate the familiar whine of the overpriced Porsche approaching from behind. While looking to her right the vehicle screeched to a stop along the curbstone, several feet in front of her. The window rolled down to expose a squinting Dr. Knight peering out against the wind.
“Jenna, we need to talk, please get in,” was the yell of Knight over the howl.
“I have nothing to say,” said Ranier. “Nothing.” She continued to walk up the avenue.
Knight then jumped out of his car, running towards Ranier, while leaving the car door open. The rain pelted his tuxedo, soaking him quickly to the skin with a chill. Ranier continued to walk forward as Knight approached her from the side, keeping pace with her every step. She glanced sideways noticing the tuxedo and frenzied look upon his soaked face.
“Jenna please,” was his plea as he reached out to hold her right arm. “Please, I can’t tell you how important this matter is.”
Ranier stopped and turned towards Knight. He looked pathetic with a somber frown upon his face. Icy rain pelted their faces as they momentarily stared at each other. She then shook her head sadly saying, “What Richard, what can possibly be this important?”
“Jenna, a series of events have occurred at the PGH that are beyond belief,” said Knight above the noise. He then placed his other hand on her right shoulder, while staring directly at her. The rain continued to pepper the two as a chill physically shook Dr. Knight’s body. “Can we get into the car?” asked Knight. “I’ll explain it while driving you home.” He held her ever so carefully, realizing she was on the precipice of a fateful yes or no. “Jenna, please, it will only take a few minutes. I’m searching for answers,” was his plea. The flower on his lapel was now drooped and soaked.
“You are really nuts,” said Ranier in disgust as she turned backwards towards the waiting Porsche. “This better be good,” was her next shout as she headed towards the passenger side of the vehicle.
As Ranier jumped into the car the warmth of the heated leather seats felt wonderful. Knight slammed the door against the wind and ran his hand through a soaked mop of hair. Reaching forward he turned up the heat in the car, then checked the rear view mirror for traffic. The 911 turbo then lurched into traffic in a manner that brought back good memories to the passenger.
“Thank you,” was his heartfelt line as he shifted into gear. The windshield wipers cleared a view forward as the vehicle headed west.
“I’m only three blocks up,” said Ranier unaware as to whether or not Knight knew her current residence.
“Jenna, do you remember my stockbroker Mr. Charles?” asked Knight, unaware of her directions.
“Yes.”
“How about the staffer, Willie Brown that coded and died in the SICU?” asked Knight.
“Of course,” said Ranier. “He called you the Messiah.”
“Well since then two other deaths have occurred,” said Knight. He then looked over to Ranier saying with a slow and emphatic tone, “Two more unexplained deaths.”
“What’s the point?” asked Ranier.
“Jenna, its come to our attention that someone has been methodically killing my patients,” said Knight in matter of fact fashion.
Ranier quickly looked at Knight whose eyes remained on the road. She became unaware that the vehicle passed the intersection of the Greycliff apartments. Her mind was trying to decipher the magnitude of what she had just heard.
“What are you talking about?” was her incredulous reply.
Knight then rapidly began to blurt out the series of events that had occurred over the past two months. He briefly described the computerized alarm system and deaths of Katherine McDuff and Helga Cox.
“You passed my apartment five blocks ago,” was her numb response to the described scenario.
Dr. Knight then turned left crossing over two city blocks to catch the one-way avenue back east. While negotiating the route he continued to update Ranier on the bizarre series of events, including the bogus potassium values.
“Who would do such a thing?” said Ranier now unaware that they were traveling again past the Greycliff intersection, heading towards the PGH. “Are you sure about this whole matter?”
“Absolutely,” said Knight as he darted through traffic. He proceeded to quickly tell her about the trap set by Asher, and the role of the authentication token.
“Does anyone else know about this?” asked a bewildered Ranier as she stared directly ahead, beyond the rapidly moving front windshield wipers.
“Barnes, Rineman and a few attorneys,” said Knight. “They all seem to believe the killer’s identity will hinge on some computer token needed to enter the system.” Knight then rapidly glanced at his passenger saying, “Do you know what they are talking about?
“Of course,” said Jenna. “Everybody needs a token to enter the medical record system.”
“Who has my computer token?” asked Knight, explaining that he was unaware that it ever existed.
“We all shared it,” said Ranier. “In fact you had two tokens, remember? Your office manager always complained that we needed two, just to keep up with the log on demand for your patients. Everyone in the department used them to log onto your patients.” Ranier then proceeded to rattle off a list of the token users, including Knight’s office manager and nursing team along with the residency staff. She ended the list by including her name.
“Where are the tokens now?” said Knight rapidly.
“Who knows,” said Ranier. “I mean it’s been a few months since I was rudely released by the department.”
“Jenna, please, I did what I had to do,” said Knight. “You were making a mockery of me.”
“Untrue,” replied Jennifer. “I was never unfaithful to you. Never!” An uncomfortable moment passed between the two before Ranier continued saying somberly, “And that’s the truth.”
“What was the password associated with my token?” was Knight’s next query as the vehicle sped past the PGH complex.
“Richard, where are you going?” asked Ranier upon seeing the hospital pass by.
“The password, what was the password?” asked Knight as he unexpectedly turned left onto a Schuylkill Expressway entrance ramp. “Who knew the password?”
“I hope you’re not thinking I harmed your patients,” said a shocked Jennifer Ranier as she looked directly at him. “Please tell me that’s not the reason you tracked me down.”
“I don’t know what I think,” said an increasingly agitated Knight. “The token used to alter the potassium level was my token, that’s what I know,” barked Knight over the roar of the Porsche’s engine. “Someone used my token and I need to know who was aware of the password.” He again peered into the rear view mirror, while slipping deftly into traffic.
The sports car moved quickly into the Schuylkill passing lane, roaring up river. The sparkling lights of the city reflected off the window of Jenna’s passenger side. Despite the onset of darkness, ominous black clouds hovered just above the skyline. Knight was quiet, giving his former mistress the opportunity to respond to his question. He was confident that she would possess information to expose the culprit.
“You think I killed your patients,” said Ranier looking downward at her feet while shaking her head. “You actually think I killed your patients.” She then looked at Knight saying, “What kind of person do you think I am, don’t you trust me? After all we have been through together, don’t you trust me?” Tears began to well up in her eyes as the magnitude of the perceived accusation settled in. “For God’s sake, we spent four years together. Did you ever doubt me?”
“What was the password and who knew it!” yelled Knight realizing that his passenger had no available escape option while traveling at 70 miles per hour.
“Everybody knew it!” yelled Ranier back at him. “Everybody, absolutely everybody including the interns, residents and office staff. Take your pick. Your token was passed around the entire hospital system on a daily basis.” A brief silence ensued followed by Ranier saying, “Take me home, now.”
“The password,” said Knight sternly. “Why won’t you at least tell me that?”
“Do you want to know the password?” asked Jennifer. “It was no secret. We all knew it. The password was Borodin, that Russian composer you always talk about. What does that tell you?”
Knight was then silent as a list of suspects ran through his head. A collision of facts, dates and possible motives rattled through his cranium. With two tokens under his name the situation became more confusing. A full, thoughtful minute went by as Jenna blankly stared out the window at Boat House Row passing by along the opposite bank of the Schuylkill River.
“Who kept the tokens?” said Knight in a hurried tone. “I mean who physically kept them? Were they kept in the hospital, the office, did they go home with people.”
Jennifer continued to stare out the window while responding dimly, “I shared one with the house staff. We all carried it and each one of us would occasionally take it home. It all depended on the day, hospital census and case load.”
“What about the second one?” blurted Knight.
“Don’t know, they kept it at your office,” said Ranier with some bitterness. “I stayed out of there, you know they all hated me.”
“Nobody hated you,” snapped Knight. “We had a great thing going until you started tramping around with the intern staff.”
“That’s not true!” shouted an angry Jenna. “Not true. You had no reason to humiliate me the way you did.”
“That’s not the way I saw it,” said Knight with a frown and slow shake of his head. “You were embarrassing me. I had no other option.”
“Slow down, you’re going 80 miles an hour!” pleaded Jennifer as the rain pelted the windshield.
“Did you kill my patients?” asked Knight bluntly while continuing to stare forward with an unexpressive gaze. “Just answer yes or no,” was his next morbid line. A deep darkness now surrounded the speeding vehicle. “Please Jenna, I will believe you, just a simple yes or no.”
“You’re sick in the head,” said Ranier. “Take me home now,” was her next demand as she pulled out her cell phone. “I’m going to dial 9-1-1 immediately if you don’t exit now.”
“Who is killing my patients?” screamed Knight.
Jennifer went to dial 9-1-1, but as she did Knight fiercely slapped the phone away from her hands, sending it down to the floor. She froze while looking forward at the seemingly stationary traffic being passed by. An innate cry for safety seized her body while she reflexively grabbed onto the edge of the seat. Fear overcame her and she dared not move.
“Who is killing my patients?” said Knight again with threatening groan. “You must know. Tell me now.”
“I’ll tell you who!” screamed Jenna in a panic as she looked back at her captor. “Someone who has hated you with such a passion over time it makes them bleed,” screeched Ranier.
Knight then turned to the right with a monstrous gaze over his passenger. A scowl came upon his face as he slowly lifted his clenched right fist up into the air. “Who? God damn it, tell me who?” Passing headlights created an eerie camouflaged pattern across his face.
Before Jenna could answer, Mother Nature intervened in unison with the laws of physics. While speeding at eighty miles per hour the exterior temperature gauge on the vehicle’s dashboard read twenty-seven degrees Fahrenheit. Sleeting rain fell around the perimeter of the vehicle in a manner unappreciated by the driver. Over the Porsches muted radio, a winter weather advisory from KYX News Radio was unheard by the occupants. Then, as Jennifer was about to answer, the vehicle entered the notorious ninety-degree Conshohocken curve of the Schuylkill expressway. In a split second the car’s radial tires attempted to maintain contact with the icy road. Despite three generations of German innovation and technology, the complex safety system of the Porsche could not respond, permitting the vehicle to slide out of control. A buzz and flashing warning lights alerted the doomed occupants of the dire situation while the vehicle became airborne. Jennifer screamed as Knight unsuccessfully attempted to regain control of the speeding trajectory. Initial impact was with a concrete side road barrier, which in turn ricocheted the vector back onto the median, causing it to rapidly turn over in a side-to-side counter clockwise fashion.
