Chapter 14

                                    

                                          
Stopping the car, she looks around at the downtown area of the town with a careful eye. The place doesn't seem to be much of anything, but she has read the reports and she knows that appearances can be deceiving. Just because it doesn't look like anyplace special or worthy of attention, things are happening here and people want to know what's going on. She doesn't have too much time to spare, but then she rarely needs that much time to find what she needs, especially when no one is expecting or concerned that she is around.
Looking around she spots the building she was looking for and confidently walks up to the main doors. She walks in easily enough, a town like this, even with everything going on here, doesn't have security like in big cities, even in the seat of the county's government. She pauses at the directory to locate her target and heads for the stairs to the third floor. A few minutes later and she is walking in the doors to the Mayor's Office.
"Hello" she says with a smile at the woman at the reception desk, her name plate saying 'Mary' clearly displayed. "I was hoping that I could speak with Mayor Roberts if he had a moment?"
The older woman looks at her, easily assessing her attire and more specifically the high quality and cost of her outfit and quickly becomes much more welcoming. "I am sure the Mayor would be able to spare a moment if you can wait a second?" she asks.
Nodding she sits down in one the chairs obviously designed for waiting guests and sets her portfolio in her lap and opens the screen which lights up with the newest tech. She pretends not to notice Mary's eyes widen at the sight or the way she starts typing something on her computer. Seeing the tech, plus the clothes, sends the exact message she wants, and she is certain that Mayor Roberts will be coming out rather quickly.
"We have this section of the hospital closed off. Operating room 4 is set up and we have established a recovery room immediately next door. After that we can move him to examination room 8 which has been converted to a patient room. This way we never have to remove him from this hallway and we will have no other patients or guests in the area. Your deputies can secure this area right?" Melissa asks looking at Noah.
"Yes. I have gotten four deputies from Beacon Valley on loan to add to our numbers and we will always have two deputies stationed here. I also have gotten permission from the mayor to temporarily enlist several of Chris' guys to provide some additional coverage in a less conspicuous way. During the transport in and out and during any major moves I will have at least four deputies here" Noah sighed unhappily. Melissa had handled it professionally when he told her at the hospital about McCall's actions but that night she stopped by and had let it all out over several drinks. He had offered wine but she went straight to Noah's good Scotch and he couldn't blame her. It also took about 12 hours before the entire hospital had found out about her ex's actions and Noah was fairly certain that Raphel McCall should definitely avoid any injury because if he set foot in the place, Noah doubted that he would enjoy the experience.
"Are we still on schedule?" Melissa asks again looking determined not to let things rattle her.
"Yes. He will be transferred tomorrow at 9:30am from Eichen under police escort. Once here, there will a full crew during surgery and recovery. According to the doctors, it should take about 1-2 hours for the procedure depending on circumstances. Then 2 hours for recovery and two days before he is transferred back" Noah recites what they both already knew.
"Will he be here?" Melissa asks the question she had been holding back every since this all started. She can handle her ex, but she definitely wants some time to prepare.
"Apparently not" Noah replies and sees the look of surprise on her face "it seems that he has some important work in San Francisco to attend to and he feels that we can manage it here without him." He watches her face as Melissa processes this.