A Degree in Murder

Chapter Eight: Opening Salvo Act One

The day had finally come: her first meeting as a member of the OPTC. From the moment she agreed to join the committee, her free time was spent looking into them with the hope that something questionable would turn up. The results of her inquiry yielded a stellar track record, several awards and a list of commendations from some rather powerful individuals. Eleanor thought back to her conversation with Laura Bailey. Her boss's comments made her believe that something was amiss but offered no clarification. Was she messing with her? Laura was known for many things but humour was not one of them. She felt a headache setting in and began to rub her temples. There were very few things she hated more than going into a situation unprepared but life rarely afforded you the opportunity to be fully prepared.

Eleanor rose from her desk, donned her white coat and walked out of her office. She stopped by Ryan's desk, tapping the top of the monitor to get his attention.

"Ready for your big moment, boss?" said Ryan with an impish smile.

"Not like I have a choice. Anyway, how do I look?" asked Eleanor, twirling around a couple of times.

"In my opinion, this is one of your better days. You must be really nervous if you're asking for my approval."

"Shut up," she replied jokingly. "Unfortunately, you're the best dressed person I know."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Knock them dead, boss."

Eleanor gave him a quick nod before walking off in the direction of the administrative block. It would take her seven to ten minutes at her normal pace. She slowed down, occasionally stopping along the way to greet and chat. There was plenty of time before the meeting and thus she could afford the time. Twenty minutes later, she arrived at Laura Bailey's office where she was led through a series of corridors into a large and well decorated conference room. There were three tables arranged in the shape of the letter U with three chairs along the arms and two chairs at the base. Another table was set up in the corner of the room with snacks and drinks. Eleanor continued to take in the splendour of the room when the door suddenly opened.

"I heard someone was in here but I didn't expect to see you so early," said Laura Bailey, extending a hand.

"I have to make a good first impression and I was kind of excited," replied Eleanor, shaking her hand.

"We still have a good twenty minutes before everyone else shows up. Let's chat a little," said Laura, walking towards the snacks table.

Eleanor smirked when she heard this comment. An unexpected opportunity had presented itself. She would hopefully get some answers to the questions that had been plaguing her for the past couple of weeks. She followed Laura to the snack table, grabbed a cup and poured herself some coffee.

"Do you remember the discussion we had in my office a little over two weeks ago?"

"I was hoping it would be something else but it's clear that if I don't address this now, it will be a problem going forward. What exactly is on your mind?" replied Laura, taking a bite out of a scone.

"What did you mean when you said that sometimes our hands will be tied and things will take a turn for the worse?"

"The OPTC is as political as it is medical. As much as we like to think we have power here and we do, there's a power beyond our power. This means that sometimes our decisions are overruled by people sitting a thousand miles away who don't give a damn about anything other than lining their pockets. People who don't have to see the faces of our patients' families and friends when we have to deliver the news that we can't save them," said Laura, taking a deep breath to quell her anger.

"So why did you bring me in?" asked a confused Eleanor, trying to process what she had been told.

"Like I said before, your reputation precedes you. I don't know why but I firmly believe that you have the ability to help change this broken system."

Eleanor stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Her suspicions had all but been confirmed and now she had the chance to do something. Choosing her next words carefully, she said, "I don't know what I can do but I'll definitely try my best."