Maddy's Floor Read Free Page B

percentage of their residents, and the huge donations for her project – something they could ill afford.
     
    She'd worked on the top floor for close to five years, and had been running it for the last three. Sure, Dr. Cunningham ran it with her, but his presence fooled no one. Still, with over thirty years of impressive experience he'd lent his name and reputation to the project. But, it was called Maddy's floor for a reason.
     
    In addition to the special project she ran there, her light, her presence, just the person she was radiated something special. When she turned that light onto 'her' patients, they blossomed, improved, and in some cases, they even healed. Her personality or her 'skills' – whatever you called it – was a common thread of discussion in the lunchroom and meetings, but always behind her back. She had a gift that caused everyone to want to reach out and touch her – if just for a moment – to know that miracle healing was possible.
     
    Gerard shook his head at the fanciful thought. These thoughts dominated every time he watched her work, and lately, every time he thought about her. Not good.
     
    "What about extending the day clinic hours?" Peggy suggested. "Open up for more private consultations, have the doctors do an additional half-day a week…or something?"
     
    "That's possible, but the best thing to do is involve the doctors in this issue. In its resolution too. They're all intelligent and aware of the problem. Ask them what they see as options," suggested Dr. Jack Norton, seated beside Peggy. He rarely spoke and when he did, people listened. Jack knew his stuff.
     
    Gerard considered the possibility. "We'd have to set up a meeting, which they won't like as they're strapped for time now. However, if we bring them in to discuss the problem, together we might brainstorm some solutions, or present a few options for them to consider."
     
    "Don't give them too many options. That's asking for trouble." Peggy jotted notes down on her yellow legal pad. "One or two at the most and see what they think. There's a lot of brain power in that group and it's their future as well. It wouldn't hurt to give them a say."
     
    A knock at the door interrupted the thread of conversation. Sandra Cafferty, Gerard's administrative assistant, opened the door and pushed in a coffee cart. "Coffee, everyone. Gerard, Dr. Maddy has arrived."
     
    Gerard nodded and picked up his pencil again. Maddy's visit should be short, and probably not sweet. He needed her to accept the new patient and she wasn't going to like it – at all. Not that he could blame her, but The Haven needed to take in more patients as soon as possible to stay afloat. Even this patient.
     
    "Good to see we can still afford a decent cup of java, hey Gerard?" Moneyman and Chief Financial Officer, Alex Cooper, stood and walked over to the trolley and doctored a cup for himself.
     
    "Let's not joke about such a serious issue," Gerard replied. He'd cut what was necessary, but the team needed to focus on creating a bigger income stream, not just making temporary fixes to the expense drain. He rose and walked over to pour himself a coffee. Bringing it back to his place, he said, "If everyone's ready, let's bring Dr. Maddy in and deal with that issue so we can get back to the rest of the agenda. Sandra, please."
     
    Sandra walked out, leaving the door open.
     
    Maddy's presence filled the door seconds later. It was as if an air of lightness entered with her. "Good morning, everyone. So good to see you."
     
    Even taciturn Jack had to smile at her. "Come on in, Maddy. Grab a coffee and take a seat. This shouldn't take long."
     
    Maddy hurried over to the cart, quickly poured herself a coffee and glanced around the room. "Does everyone have coffee?"
     
    Peggy lifted her gaze from her files, her brows beetled together. "Oh, I'd love a cup. Black. Thank you."
     
    With a sunny smile, Maddy poured the second cup and placed it down in front of Peggy before