Page 74 of Heart of a Hero

Within the hour, he was watching the interview on screen just so his eyes could be on Karen as Brad and Elizabeth interviewed her once again.

“Okay, Ms. Drummond. Since we last spoke, you have had a chance to observe your staff and others at the ESHH. Do you have new information for us?”

Karen had walked in confidently, but as soon as Brad’s question aired, Mark could spy her nervousness. She looked up, then sighed. “I know it’s my duty to cooperate fully with law enforcement, but I still find it stressful. Talking about my coworkers this way feels much like gossiping, and we all know how devastating gossip can be.”

“Ms. Drummond,” Elizabeth said, “I understand. Believe me, we deal with many witnesses like yourself who are afraid we will rush out to arrest someone just based on their words. But what you are doing offers us a glimpse of any inside knowledge you might have. We can take that, quietly look into it, and then only act on it if something comes to fruition. We are already checking into the other employees, so there’s a chance that what you say is something we already know.”

Karen held the other woman’s gaze, then nodded slowly. “Okay. Yes, I understand. First of all, let me just state that there are numerous employees of the ESHH, and that my staff is only part of that organization. Be that as it may, I have thought about why any of my staff would have a reason to be party to these thefts. While I still refuse to think they have, I cannot deny that someone could unwittingly give information that could be used by someone to perpetrate these burglaries.”

She sucked in a deep breath. “Selma Thompson has been with the ESHH for years as a nurse’s aide. She has a son who she has stated has trouble holding down a job but always seems to have money. She’s also mentioned that he’s into get-rich-quick schemes. I have no idea what that means, but there it is.” Letting out another long sigh, she said, “Plus, I just discovered that her son has accompanied her to at least one patient visit and was inside the home. I haven’t had a chance to talk to her aboutthat. Rick Salvador has twin boys who are seniors in high school. He’s our counselor and told them they would need to start at a community college to cut higher education costs. He says one is applying to four-year colleges, claiming he can work to get the money. It seems ridiculous for me to mention this because to cast doubt on a young man willing to work hard is just wrong. But there it is.”

Karen dropped her head and clenched her fingers again. Brad and Elizabeth gave her a moment to gather her thoughts, but Mark stood in the other office, watching the screen with sweat dripping down his back.God, this was such the wrong time for this! She needs a break, not more stress.Kicking himself for agreeing to her being interviewed again, he tried to steady his heartbeat as she lifted her head.

“Patrick Bellows still has student loans, but other than work, he’s never mentioned anything that would lead me to believe he has anyone in his life who he would talk to about work. Like most of us, he has bills and works hard to pay them off. He and his wife have taken in her brother as a lodger to help defray costs.”

She rubbed her forehead and continued. “Miles Markowitz, an LPN, is dating our occupational therapist, Sharon Bundy. I sometimes wonder if she doesn’t have what’s known as champagne tastes.”

“On a beer budget?” Elizabeth offered.

Karen scoffed, then her lips quirked upward just slightly. “Yes. You’re familiar with the term. She’s come into the office with a few rings and jewelry lately, making me wonder if they’re real or just costume jewelry. Not that there’s anything wrong with costume jewelry,” she hastened to add. “But I know Miles can’t afford them, and I can’t imagine how she does. But then, what people spend their money on isn’t my business.”

“Anything else?” Brad said.

“Yes. I was at a larger staff meeting the other day and realized many people have access to patient records. That’s not unusual… it’s similar to a large doctor’s office where the receptionists, nurses, doctors, and coordinators can all log on to see information. So yes… there are others besides the ones I’ve mentioned who would have access.”

“But haven’t been in the homes,” Elizabeth said softly.

Karen’s shoulders slumped, and Mark cursed under his breath.

She nodded slowly, then looked back up. “You’re correct. Only me and those on my team have been in the houses you’ve mentioned.”

“Okay, that’s all we need for now, Ms. Drummond,” Brad said. “We know this has been a very trying couple of days for you, and we appreciate you coming in more than we can express.”

“I’ll walk you out again,” Elizabeth said, and Karen nodded.

Mark wanted to be the one to go to her and was determined not to hide the way he had to last time, so he stepped out of the room. Her gaze landed on him, but unlike her previous trip to the station, she offered a small smile.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said, walking straight to her. “I’m so sorry about this.”

“It had to be done,” she said. “Someone is talking about clients. I can’t imagine who or why, but I feel it in my bones that something is happening.”

“You’ve still got a full day ahead.”

“This morning was busy. Marty was up and dressed, and just like always, he roused Zannie and took care of her. My girls were a little more active this morning, trying to help, but it was a zoo. Thankfully, I got everyone to school without any problems. I talked to the principal and the counselor.”

“Any problems there?”

She shook her head. “Lisa had already called the school to give them the updated information and to put Carla Perkins and Alan Solstein on a no-contact list. I talked to the counselor and their teachers. They’ll keep an eye on the kids and let me know if they see any problems. Oh, and by the way, I’m taking the kids to ShopMart after school. Looking over the kids’ clothes, they definitely need some new things.”

He grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed. “I really am sorry, Karen. It seems like you can’t catch a break.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Mark, honey, it is what it is.”

The way the endearment ofhoneyfell off her lips made him smile. “I’ll make it up to you. As soon as we can arrange it, my dad will babysit at your house so we can get a few hours at mine.”

“Oh God, yes,” she agreed, laughing. Glancing at Elizabeth who stood off to the side, she lifted on her toes and placed her palm on his chest. She kissed him lightly and said, “I’ll see you later.”

He nodded and watched as the two women headed down the hall, his hand lifting to gently rub over his chest where her palm had connected to his heart.

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