Рита Браун - Claws And Effect

"Sam, what's going on? The equipment is overdue for cleaning." He gulped down his drink. "Why the hell won't you listen to me about this-our reputation is taking a beating."

"Let's have this discussion at another time."

"It's a damned sorry mess if we're using pumps that need work. It's beyond sorry."

"Bruce." Sam's voice was firm but low. "As far as I know those infusion pumps are working beautifully. The nurses would report it to the head nurse in a heartbeat. You know that. But I will definitely check the records. Hank would never let anything get out of hand or worn down. He just wouldn't and I don't think Bobby Minifee will either, once he feels comfortable in his position."

Rick Shaw and Big Mim whispered to one another in the corner for a moment.

"When will Tussie's death be written up in the paper?"

"Tomorrow." Rick sighed. "I used every chit I had to hold the story. The only people who know are you, Marilyn, Harry, and Randy."

"Rescue Squad."

"They understand perfectly well. Diana Robb can shut up the two people who came out with her for another twenty-four hours."

"I hope so." Mim's eyes darted around the room.

"Randy called the hospital and told her boss that Tussie had a family emergency. She wouldn't be in to work until Sunday."

"If this ruse works, Rick, our fox should bolt the den."

Rick smiled. "You hunters crack me up."

She smiled and they parted to mix with the others.

Little Mim cleverly maneuvered toward Bruce Buxton who, face flushed, was now talking with Harry, Susan, and Miranda.

"You all will be receiving invitations to one of Mother's teas," Little Mim said, her luxurious chestnut hair falling straight to her shoulders.

"More mail to sort." Harry winked.

Miranda's stomach growled. She put her hand on it, saying, "News from the interior."

"Time to eat," Susan added. "Harry, you've only eaten once. You must be ready for another plate."

"Cold makes me hungry."

The three women made a beeline for the table, leaving Marilyn to flirt with Bruce, who didn't seem to mind.

Fair strode through the door.

Tally called out to him. "Why didn't you hunt today?"

"Breeding season, Miss Urquhart. But I had to drop by to see you."

"Liar. You dropped by for the food!" He kissed her cheek.

"I came to see you." He kissed the other cheek. "Prettiest girl in the county."

"You go." She blushed a little. "Go on, your girlfriend's back at the table. She can eat, Fair, my, how she can eat. In my day a lady hid her appetite. Of course, she never puts on a pound. Me neither."

"Your figure is the envy of women half your age."

"Fifty!" Tally triumphantly said.

"Actually, I was thinking more like thirty-five."

"Mercy. You get out of here before I forget myself." She pushed him toward the dining room.

Fair cut into the line to be with Harry.

"Cheater," Susan humorously complained.

"Tally called me a liar. You're calling me a cheater. Anyone else want to unburden themselves?" He stared down at his ex-wife's pretty head. "I retract that offer."

Harry reached for and squeezed his hand. Laura Cramer was on the other side of the table.

"This is a lively group." Laura laughed.

"Wait until the drinks hit." Susan giggled.

Harry introduced Fair to Laura as they moved around the table.

He gallantly carried her plate, put both plates down on the long coffee table, and headed to the bar for Cokes for each of them. Fair never drank during the day, although he did drink socially.

Cooper walked over. "Some party."

"Have you had anything to eat?"

"Yes. Too much. I'm going back for dessert."

"Come sit with us." Harry indicated they'd sit on the floor.

The Cramers also sat on the floor, using the coffee table as their table. Graham, Dennis, Cooper, Susan, and Miranda squeezed in. Fair and Joe talked medical talk, since veterinary medicine used many of the same procedures and machines as human medical science. In fact, some procedures successful on humans were pioneered by veterinarians.

Graham regaled Cynthia Cooper with tales of training green racehorses to use the starting gate. Dennis Foster and Laura compared packs of hounds in northern Virginia, always a subject of passionate interest to foxhunters. Susan listened intently and Laura invited her, the whole table, to join them at Middleburg Hunt for a ripsnorter.

At one point Joe leaned over, whispering to Harry what he'd said to Sam and Bruce. Just then Jordan Ivanic bent over to say his hellos and Joe repeated what he'd told Sam and Bruce to Jordan, who blanched.

"I'll look into it. We've had some unfortunate occurrences." Jordan smiled tightly.

"I think murder qualifies as an unfortunate occurrence." Graham picked up a piece of corn bread.

"Now, Mr. Pitsenberger, we only know that Hank Brevard was killed in the basement of the hospital. We have no information that would connect other irregularities to that incident," Jordan smoothly replied.

"That's not what the newspaper says," Graham needled him.

"Newspapers sell issues for the benefit of advertisers. Now if you all will excuse me. It's nice to see you again." Jordan nodded to the Cramers.

"That's a cool cucumber," Graham remarked as Jordan was out of earshot.

"He wasn't so cool when Hank was murdered," Susan filled him in. "At least that's what I heard."

The visiting hunters had been well briefed about Hank's demise and Larry Johnson's murder. They knew nothing about Tussie Logan.

"For a small community you don't lack for excitement," Laura dryly said.

A shout at the front door attracted everyone's attention.

"George Moore, what are you doing here?" Tally laughed as a tall man breezed through her front door.

"I'm here to sweep you off your feet." He picked her up.

"Brute!" She threw up her hands in mock despair.

He carefully placed her down. "Have you eaten any of your own food?"

"No. I've been the hostess with the mostest."

"Well, come on. I'll be your breakfast date." He slipped her arm through his, walking her to the table.

Everyone knew George so there was lots of catcalling and waving.

Little Mim teased Bruce Buxton. "With a name like George, you have a lot to live up to in Virginia."

The breakfast rolled on for hours. Tally had hired a pianist, which augmented the already high spirits. After everyone had eaten they crowded around the piano to sing, a habit common to Tally's generation and all but lost by the time Harry's generation was raised.

As the guests finally left one by one, Dennis accompanied the Cramers.

Rick quietly watched everyone from the front windows of the house. Coop used the excuse of helping Harry load her horses to go back to the trailers.