Claws and Effect by Rita Mae Brown Page A

Mim asked. Though an Episcopalian and not a Lutheran, she attended for two reasons: one, she liked Herb, and two, it irritated her mother, who felt anything worth doing had to be done through the Episcopalian Church.
    â€œUh—no. We thought we’d give a series of concerts to raise money for the roof and then perhaps we could find some men to donate their labor. We’re pretty sure we can come up with the money for materials.”
    â€œHere I had visions of you on the roof, Miranda.” Herb laughed at her, then turned to Bruce, moving to the next topic on the agenda. “Any luck?”
    Before Bruce could give his report they heard the door to the rectory open and close. Larry Johnson, removing his coat as he walked from the hall to the pleasant meeting room, nodded at them.
    â€œLate and I apologize.”
    â€œSit down, Larry, glad you could make it. Bruce was just about to give his report about the hospital cooperating with us concerning our people who can’t pay for medical services.”
    Larry took a seat next to Miranda. He folded his hands, gazing at Bruce.
    Bruce’s pleasant speaking voice filled the room. “As you can imagine, the administration sees only problems. Both Sam and Jordan insist we could be liable to lawsuits. What if we treated an indigent patient who sued, that sort of thing. Their second area of concern is space. Both say Crozet Hospital lacks the space to take care of paying patients. The hospital has no room for the non-paying.”
    Little Mim raised her hand. Bruce acknowledged her.
    â€œWhile I am not defending the hospital, this is true. One of my goals as a board member and your next mayor”—she paused to smile reflectively—“will be to raise the money
privately
for a new wing to be built.”
    â€œThank you.” Herb’s gravelly voice was warm. He was amused at her campaigning.
    â€œIt is true,” Bruce agreed, “but if we could bring people in on the off hours, before eight A . M . or after three P . M ., we might at least be able to use equipment for tests. I know there is no way we will get hospital beds. Which brings me to the third area of concern voiced by the administration, the use of hospital equipment. The increased wear and tear on equipment, whether it’s IVAC units, X-ray machines, whatever, will raise hospital operating costs. The budget can’t absorb the increases.” He breathed in. “That’s where we are today. Obviously, Sam and Jordan don’t want to give us a flat no. They are too politically astute for that. But there is no question in my mind that they evidence a profound lack of enthusiasm for our purpose.”
    The room fell silent, a silence punctuated when the door to the rectory was again opened and closed. The sound of a coat being removed, placed on the coatrack was heard.
    Tussie Logan, face drawn, stepped into the room. “Sorry.”
    â€œCome on in. We know your time isn’t always your own.” Herb genially beckoned to her. “Bruce has just given us his progress report.”
    â€œOr lack thereof,” Bruce forthrightly said. “Tussie, you look tired.”
    Bruce slid his chair over so she could wedge in between himself and BoomBoom.
    â€œOne of my kids, Dodie Santana, the little girl from Guatemala, had a bad day.”
    â€œWe’re sorry.” Herb spoke for the group.
    â€œWe’ll do a prayer vigil for her,” Miranda volunteered.
    â€œThank you.” Tussie smiled sadly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
    â€œI’m glad you did.” Larry lightened the mood. “It means I’m not the last one to the meeting.”
    â€œBack to business then.” Herb turned to Bruce. “Can we get access to the hospital’s insurance policy?”
    â€œYes. I don’t think Sam would refuse that,” Bruce replied.
    â€œBut who would understand it?” Larry said, half in