CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Finley, Sophia Ann and Ryan inspected the concrete slab. It had been poorly constructed in the first place, not meant to stand long term,” said Hex. “We’re lucky we got that woman off the platform when we did.”
“How is she?” asked Cam.
“Still unconscious. She’s in critical condition.
Her organs were already shutting down. The boys took her photo and prints and we’re trying to find any living family members,” said Eric.
“Rowe is staying with her since he lifted her from the platform. He thinks she opened her eyes at one point and maybe saw him. We’re just not sure. ”
“Well, one thing is for sure. Pelican has something to do with all of this and we need to get to them. Are we bringing them here or are we going to Beaumont?” asked Cam.
“Our friends at FEMA have requested their presence immediately, under penalty of federal law. If they don’t send an agent or representative for the company, FEMA will file federal charges,” said Luke.
“Well, that’s one way of getting them here,” smirked Travis. “But we have another. Joseph, Nathan, Kiel and me are going to head to Beaumont.”
“Why if we’re getting them here?” asked Luke.
“Let’s just say we’re going to give them a taste of their own medicine and a friendly nudge.
We know where the headquarters is located.
We’ll get Chipper to drop us in. We’ll do a little recon and detective work tonight and in the morning when they arrive we’ll follow.
You never know what sort of disasters await them on their drive over. ”
The men all smirked. Cam looked at Luke, then Eric and Hex. The four leaders nodded.
“Be careful. If they were willing to kill at least seven women over this, no telling what they’re prepared to do to protect their secrets,” said Luke.
“Bron and Dunc. Get with Mike and see if you can take two of his team. For those homes we can reach, find out who has a policy with Pelican. We need to find out how far this reach really is.”
“Got it,” nodded Duncan. “Just out of curiosity and for clarities sake, how far can I go if I find something, say, annoying?” Eric chuckled at the big man. You did not want to fuck with Duncan Adams. He was a beast when he was in a good mood. Don’t test him when he’s in a bad mood.
“I give full clearance in this case,” said Luke. Duncan smiled at Bron.
“Sweet.”
Gabi walked into the offices looking even more pale than usual. Her typical glowing, porcelain skin was now ashen from exhaustion. Even her translucent eyes had lost some of their luster.
“Gabi, you okay?” asked Cam rushing toward her. She nearly dropped in his arms.
“Just exhausted, honey. Zulu and some of the boys are watching the patients for us but we need help. All of the medical staff is completely drained. Luke, we need some of the boys with medic experience.”
“Done,” said Luke. He pointed to ten men and they raced out the door. Cam lifted Gabi and lay her on the long leather sofa in the office, covering her with a throw. She was asleep before they left the room.
“We weren’t even thinking about them,” frowned Eric. “They’ve got at least two-hundred in the clinic, not all injured but it’s still taking a toll on them. We can’t ask for help from neighboring clinics, they’re in the same boat we are.”
“Make a schedule of shifts for them. Two docs, two RNs on duty at all times, with at least six of our medics. See if Mike can spare a few of his team as well. I know they’re exhausted, too.” Eric nodded and headed out the door to speak with Mike at the station.
For the next few days it would be a constant rotation of firefighters, medics, and regular team members to ease the burden of the medical teams.
“Hey, Luke? Cam? Are y’all in here?” called Remy.
“Back here,” said Cam. Remy stepped into the conference room not looking as if he had any good news to share at all.
“Five more folks up front with the FEMA team. All are insured with Pelican and all have been told their insurance will cover nothing. We got ourselves an epidemic of fraud.”
“We’re about to handle that,” nodded Luke. “Any word on our rescued girl?”
“Nothing yet but we’re posting someone outside her room, just in case.” Remy nodded at them and left the room. Luke quickly called for him down the hallway.
“Remy? Who do we have watching her?” Remy smiled a wicked grin.
“The cousins, of course.”
The men all chuckled knowing that although most of the cousins had never served in the military or in a first responder environment, they were exceptional with a knife or gun. You never pissed off a Cajun. Especially a Robicheaux.