the police and our own security staff inform us that the stairwells are
a problem, and though the cost will be considerable, we are prepared to
implement twenty-four-hour guards, one man per shift, for each level of
the physicians’ lot, as well as one guard per shift for each of the
three open lots across the boulevard. That adds up to a total parking
staff of fifteen guards, meaning a net hire of eleven guards added to
the four already on staff. The cost, including benefits and insurance,
should amount to slightly under four hundred thousand dollars.”
“Four hundred!” said Kornblatt, springing to his feet. Almost forty
thousand a cop?”
“Guards, not cops, Dr. Kornblatt. Cops would cost much, much more.
As I said, the figure includes benefits, insurance, workman’s
compensation, supplies and equipment, and site-specific ancillary costs
such as orientation and in-house training. The company with which
we’ve contracted has an excellent track record and their proposal
includes self-defense and crime-prevention education for the entire
staff. The administration didn’t feel it was appropriate to
bargain-hunt in this matter, Dr. Kornblatt. However, if you’d like to
shop around for a more competitive price, be our guest. Bear in mind,
however, that time is an issue we want to restore a sense of security
and well-being for everyone, with maximal haste.” lacing his hands
across his abdomen, he looked at Kornblatt.
The cardiologist said, “Last time I checked, my job was treating kids,
George.”
“Precisely,” said Plumb. Turning his back on Kornblatt, he said, Any
additional questions?”
There was a moment of silence, as long as the one honoring Ashmore’s
memory.
Kornblatt stood and said, “I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m
feeling co-opted.”
Plumb said, “Co-opted? In what sense, Dr. Kornblatt?”
“In the sense, George, that this was supposed to be a physicians’
meeting and you’ve just walked in and taken over.”
Plumb rubbed his jaw. looked at the doctors. Smiled. Shook his
head.
“Well,” he said, “that certainly wasn’t my intent.”
“Maybe not, George, but it’s sure coming out that way.
Plumb stepped forward, toward the front row. Lowering one leg to the
cushion of an empty seat, he rested his elbow on the bent knee.
Chin on hand again, and he was Rodin’s “Thinker.”
“Coopting,” he said. All I can say is that was not my intention.”
Afro said, “George, what Dan-” “No need to explain, Dr. Runge. The
tragic incident with Dr. Ashmore has left all of us on edge.”
Maintaining the thinker’s pose, he turned back to Kornblatt: “I must
say, Doctor, that I’m surprised to be hearing that kind of sectarian
talk from you in particular. If I recall correctly, you drafted a
memorandum last month calling for greater communication between the
administration and the professional staff. I believe the term you used
was cross-pollination?”
“I was talking about decision-making, George.”
And that’s exactly what I’m attempting to do, Dr. Kornblatt.
Cross-pollinate vis-a-vis security decisions. In that spirit I
reiterate my offer to you-to any of you. Come up with your own
security proposals. If you can develop one as comprehensive as ours,
at equal or lower cost, the administration and the board will be more
than happy to entertain it seriously. I mean that. I’m sure I don’t
need to remind you of the institution’s financial situation. That four
hundred thousand will have to come from somewhere.”
“Patient care, no doubt,” said Kornblatt.
Plumb gave a sad smile. As I’ve stressed in the past, patientcare
reduction is always the court of last resort,” he said. “But each
month strips us closer and closer to the bone. No one’s fault-it’s
just present-day reality. In fact, perhaps it’s good we’ve wandered
afield of the issue of Dr. Ashmore’s murder and are talking about it
in open forum. To some extent, fiscal and security issues
dovetail-both stem from demographic issues outside of anyone’s
control.”
“There goes the neighborhood?” said Spironi.
“Unfortunately, Doctor, the neighborhood has already gone.”
“So what do you suggest?” said Elaine, the ponytailed woman.
“Closing down?”
Plumb shifted his gaze to her sharply. Lifting his foot from the
chair, he straightened and sighed.
“What I suggest, Dr. Eubanks, is that we all remain painfully aware of