Chapter Sixteen

The first dusting of snow had fallen during the afternoon and the trees and lawns were sparkling with ice crystals. Christine admired the glistening trees from her window. Matt turned on the television. Slowly, she moved toward him. Christine and Matt huddled together on the couch, watching the latest news from Bridgetown. The mayor, Mr. Carver from the water treatment plant, two members of the town council, a doctor and a representative from Environment Canada appeared on the screen. Christine reached for the remote and turned the volume up. “This should be good.” Matt reached for his coffee and sipped at the boiling liquid carefully.

Mayor Burton gave a short intro informing the public that a chemical dump site had been uncovered at the north end of town. He noted that Martin and Schultz Chemical executives were shocked at the discovery, having been totally unaware of the site, which originated more than thirty five years ago, in 1975. At the bottom of the screen, a teleprompter promised an upcoming interview with Charles Martin and more in-depth information. Christine turned to Matt, “I don’t trust Charles Martin, and he and Jack working together is totally beyond belief. He is up to something.”

“Probably wants to come out of this a hero. Don’t ask me how, but if anybody can do it, Charles Martin can. He is being groomed for provincial politics you know.” Matt finished his coffee and set the cup on the table. His arm moved around Christine’s shoulders.

“Really? How do you know that?” Christine picked up a piece of toast from the plate in front of them.

“Mr. Harrison was telling me that a friend of his in Ottawa sat in on a meeting with one of the party leaders and Martin’s name came up. It was right after he got that award from Mayor Burton for his environmental inspiration of Bridgetown.” Matt laughed out loud. “What a joke!”

The Environment Canada representative began to speak and they both focused their attention on the screen. All over Bridgetown, television sets were tuned to the speech.

“At this time, we have no idea whether any of the chemicals have escaped into the environment. We will advise the public on our progress as it occurs. I repeat, we have not confirmed that we have a chemical contamination at this time. When and if we do discover a leak, steps for immediate decontamination of the site will be taken as follows. He started to read from his notes: While the provision of medical care to victims is obviously paramount in the acute phase, from a public health standpoint the following activities must simultaneously be considered:

1. Institute surveillance/information systems to track the extent, severity, distribution, etc., of morbidity and mortality.

2. Anticipate, prevent, or control public health consequences of the localized disaster such as spread of chemical contaminants in the environment, or appearance of infectious disease epidemics.

3. Assess the utilization and effectiveness of emergency medical and health services.

4. Initiate acute epidemiologic investigations to study risk factors for morbidity and mortality, identify groups at highest risk, evaluate clinical course and natural history of disease, evaluate treatment regimens, identify groups at risk for long-term disease, and study whether the emergency planning apparatus such as warning systems, evacuation plans, provision for acute care, etc., functioned effectively.

5. Develop a solid database so that long-term clinical follow-up and epidemiologic investigations will have full scientific validity. These acute phase activities will proceed over a period lasting from several days to several weeks or months.”

Looking back at the camera, he continued. “All of this has been initiated and we will keep the people of Bridgetown informed of the progress of the chemical dump site cleanup.”

Matt and Christine looked at each other, mystified. “Sounds like a lot of bureaucratic bullshit to me. I didn’t understand one word of it.” Matt was disgusted. The speech told him nothing. “Maybe the doctor will make more sense, looks like he’s next.”

The doctor stood in front of the microphone looking very nervous, he adjusted his tie before speaking. “Ladies and Gentlemen of Bridgetown, this is an emergency situation; however it does not call for panic. We are taking careful and considerable care in discovering the cause of the mysterious virus X. At this time we have no concrete proof of any association between the recent chemical dump site discovery and the illness. When and if such proof develops, we will take steps to counteract any chemical toxicity in victims at the hospital. I repeat, at this time we have no reason to associate the chemical dump site with virus X. We advise everyone to boil all water before using, and most importantly, wash your hands with soap and sterile water several times a day. This will help avoid virus X.

In dealing with the second matter of the dump site, we are only in the beginning stages and much investigation must be done to discover whether any of the chemicals have escaped into our environment. As far as the exact chemical toxins we are dealing with and how we will deal with it, environmental and industrial experts are critically necessary to evaluate the industrial setting, the mechanism of chemical release, the environmental transport and fate of the chemicals released, the route of exposure, etc. This is not simply an exercise in looking up the medical effects of chemical ‘X’. One must be aware of all the environmental subtleties, which may lead to formation of hazardous chemical by-products or could modify the exposure pathways of chemicals released. I will not bore all of you with the details right now, but rest assured that the people on this podium are all working together to remedy both of these situations as quickly as possible. I repeat: we do not at this time feel that Virus X and the chemical dump site are related.” He left the microphone and was replaced by the local TV reporter.

Matt looked at Christine in disgust. “Wash our hands! It sounds like the mayor and his group are washing their hands of this whole calamity. We have to push for action on this, Chris. This town and everyone in it are being threatened.” Matt was getting worked up, but Christine put her hand on his arm to silence him as the reporter took her place at the microphone.

“Stay tuned at one o’clock for a full interview with Charles Martin of Martin and Schultz Chemical. We have been told that Mr. Martin is very distressed over events at the chemical plant and is co-operating fully with all levels of government on the cleanup.”

Christine turned off the television. “Not one word about Jack Giovanni.” She agreed with Matt that the entire press release was nothing more than government ‘jibber jabber.’

“Did you really expect that group to mention Jack? What are you going to do about your article? Hopefully it will give people the information they want and need.” Matt took his jacket from the closet and picked up his lunch bag from the counter. “I’m late. You know I was born in Bridgetown and I love this place. I don’t want to see the town turned into a ghost town when half the people in it die from chemical poisoning.” Christine kissed his cheek, she felt the same way.

“I’m meeting with John at the Banner later this morning. He wants to tread very carefully and we are going to wait until we hear Martin’s interview before we make our final decision, but I intend to interview Jack and get his slant on this entire scenario. Where are you working today?” She cleared the dishes and put them in the sink.

“We’re doing more planting at the public school, but I’ll have my phone on. Give me a call later and I think I’ll call Jack and see if he needs any help with anything. I better get going, bye Sweetheart.” He kissed her goodbye and headed out to work. Christine cleaned up the apartment and went to her laptop to put the finishing touches on her latest article before picking Sarah up at the hospital.

Sarah was up and dressed early, anxious to get to her meeting. She still felt weak but she was determined to get out of here. Christine arrived at the hospital, picked her up and dropped Sarah off at home with more than an hour to spare. “Want to come in?”

“No, I have work to do and you have an important meeting with Martin and Schultz Chemical. See you later Sarah, are you sure you are feeling alright?” Christine thought that Sarah looked fine, but she was still worried about her friend.

Sarah opened the back door of the car and removed her overnight bag. “I’m fine now Christine. Thanks for everything. I’ll call you later this afternoon.” As she took her keys from her purse, Sarah noticed a small package on the doorstep. She picked it up and carried it inside the house in anticipation. She headed for the bedroom. Leaving the bag, she sat on the bed and opened the small package. She sucked in her breath. In her hand was a box bearing the mark of British designer, Matthew Williamson. Sarah opened the box carefully and discovered a beautiful bracelet. It was one of the new ‘Charity Bracelets.’ A small card was enclosed stating that all profit from the sale of this bracelet would be donated to charity. She put the bracelet on her wrist, holding it high so she could admire it. She searched the package for a card and found a short handwritten note.

Sarah dearest, I was very upset to learn you have been ill. I pray you are completely recovered. This bracelet is for you my darling, wear it with pride knowing we have helped those less fortunate. I can’t wait to see you again, Love Will.

Still feeling weak, but filled with inspiration, she danced around the room, happier than she had ever been. First he sends her Jimmy Choo shoes and now a Mathew Williamson bracelet; she was very impressed. Sarah could never afford accessories like this on her salary. Life is good. Thank you Will my love, hurry home. She made a quick call to his cell, reaching voice mail. “Will, it’s Sarah. I am out of hospital and much better now. Thank you my love, I adore the bracelet. Talk to you soon.” Realizing the time, she quickly showered and changed into her business suit. She smiled when she saw the bottled water that Christine had left on the counter. There wasn’t time to type her notes so she stuffed the notebook into her briefcase, ate a banana, washed her pills down with a bottle of water and left for the meeting with Charles Martin. The new bracelet sparkled on her wrist.

Jack and Bernie watched the television announcement together. Their impression was much the same as Christine’s and Matt’s, bureaucratic bull! “What are you doing today, Jack?”

“After watching that nonsense, I am going to see Doctor Hardy at the hospital. I won’t let them cover this up Bernie. Charles Martin is being interviewed at one and I don’t want to miss that. After I hear what he has to say, I will decide what to do next.” Jack bowed his head before digging into his bacon and eggs.

“Watch yourself with Martin, Jack. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.”

“Don’t worry Bernie old pal, I know what I’m doing. Sometimes you have to get into bed with snakes to get what you want, but I have no intention of getting bitten. I need a favor.”

“Sure, what do you want me to do?” Bernie placed his cereal bowl in the sink and reached for an apple.

“Call Sarah and make sure she is okay, will you? She won’t speak to me.”

“Sure Jack. I’ll call now, and then I have to get to work. See you later.” Bernie grabbed his cell from the table and left Jack alone in the kitchen thinking of Susan.

Jack decided he would call her and bring her up to date. He just wanted to hear her voice. Susan’s phone rang but went to voice mail. “Hi Susan, I’ll call you later, there are new developments here and I miss you. Love ya.”

Jack was feeling the effects of the past weeks and he was exhausted. Relieved that the dump site was now exposed and would be cleaned up, he felt elated, but he was tired. He knew in his bones that Martin was disingenuous, but he couldn’t prove it. While seeing Dr. Hardy about the toxicity from the dump site, he also wanted to discuss his own condition with Doctor Phillips. Perhaps he had done too much, too soon after his kidney transplant. His back ached and he was very tired all the time. No time to be sick now, Jack. There is much to do. He ate the last bite of toast and stood up. As he rose, a sharp pain shot down his back. His hand grabbed for his lower back and he winced. Bernie appeared in the doorway. “Sarah is fine, and off to a meeting with Martin. You okay, Jack?”

“Just a muscle twinge, it’s nothing. Thanks Bernie, I’ll see you later.” Bernie watched Jack move toward the counter, his friend was in pain, but Bernie knew better than to mention it again. He left Jack alone.

Jack met with Doctor Hardy mid morning. The doctor explained that certain procedures had to be followed, once there was proof of chemical leakage. “There are specific recommendations for each chemical substance, Jack. What we do is gather substance information including physical and chemical properties, routes of exposure, inhalation, skin, eye contact, ingestion, acute health effects regarding organ systems affected by acute exposure and potential sequelae. All of this must be known before we can take action.” Jack hated medical ‘clap trap.’ He just wanted the facts.

“What exactly is the action that will be taken?” Jack moved his weight around in his chair trying to get comfortable

“Action includes, self-protection, recover, decontamination, estimation of inhaled dose, further evaluation and treatment, and initial treatment. Then come patient release and follow up.”

“When will this information be available to you?”

“You have to understand Jack. Testing is only available from specialized research laboratories and disaster plans need to indicate the potential chemicals of concern so that the appropriate tests can be made available. We have to wait until the barrels are unearthed to see if there was any leakage before we can decipher what chemicals we are dealing with.”

“Thanks Doc, I guess all of us will have to wait.”

“Jack, just between you and I, I have sent blood samples to one of the labs for chemical toxicity testing. I will have those results later today. If my patients are suffering from toxicity, I can start treatment sooner. Keep this to yourself, Jack. We are dealing with a highly explosive topic and the last thing we need in Bridgetown is utter chaos and panic.”

“I appreciate your sharing that with me. I have another appointment in the hospital. Thanks again.” Jack stood up and in a quick reflex, grabbed his back

The doctor had not missed the reaction. “Jack, are you okay? You look like you are in pain.”

“It’s just a muscle twinge. Thanks again and call me when you know something, please.”

Jack went to the second floor to Dr. Phillips office and took a seat in the waiting room.

Sitting on the examination table, Jack felt light-headed. Dr. Phillips took his blood pressure and looked concerned. “Your blood pressure is up, Jack. How are you feeling right now?”

“A little light-headed Doc, but this place always makes me nervous.” He forced a laugh.

“We are going to need some x-rays and an ultrasound as soon as possible. My nurse will call you. In the meantime, I want you to take it easy, Jack.”

“What do you think it is?” Jack didn’t like the sound of x-rays and ultrasound, he was getting nervous.

“I hope we are not dealing with Stenosis of the Renal Artery. It is typically a late complication that can occur, from weeks to years after surgery. This complication happens when the lumen of the artery is narrowed, which decreases blood flow through the artery to the kidney. But let’s not jump to conclusions. Go home and we will call you when the nurse books the ultrasound.” The doctor closed his notebook and left Jack alone to get dressed. Jack was not happy about this complication with everything else he had to do right now.