Free Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli Page A

and I don't expect him to be supportive of the hospital."
    "Alex, you'd best let them stay.  These are the major decision-makers and public relations media for the hospital. They are well connected , and the general population will listen to what they say. Better they hear Francois' report directly."  John paused while Alex digested his advice.  Then he continued, "We need their support and understanding.  Francois can be difficult, but basically he's honest , thorough , and knows his stuff." 
    Alex nodded.  She knew John was right.  It would be foolish to keep any secrets or pe r tinent information from the board members.
    Francois ambled to the podium in the front of the room ; his stocky frame and demeanor paralyzing the trustees.   He stared at the group members individually for several seconds as if checking them out to see if any of them were the perp.  The man's behavior was incredible.  Francois addressed the board of trustees without a shred of dignity for the collective knowledge that was present in the room.  He began his report in typical police fashion, his voice clipped and terse. 
    " You people are in for some bad luck now ,” he smirked.  “ You’ve really pissed off somebody in the worse kinds of way.  Among other things, w hat we've got here is a case of criminal violence.  The forensic people are still working the scene, but we have found no fingerprints or easy evidence.   I'm pretty sure we aren't going to find anything else.  What’s interesting is that n o one on the staff reports hearing or seeing anything unusual .   Find that difficult to believe, as these things are usually pretty noisy."
    Alex was struck at how well the police captain had been able to clean up his language.  The gutter dialect she'd heard only several hours before was completely missing from his speech.  She also studied his appearance in greater detail.  His white shirt was clean and pressed, and his tie was in place.  He could be attractive if he wasn't such an egotistical idiot, Alex thought to herself.  Perhaps u nder all the tough man police stuff was probably a nice man.  She gave him her full attention.
    John Marigny said, "What about the staff member that left sick?  Has anyone from your department talked with her?" 
    Francois stared at him.  "Nope. Sent a unit to her house around eight this morning.  She never came home last ni ght.  We're watching her house but don't expect she'll be around for a while."
    Kevin Anderson ventured another question.  "Captain Francois, please, I'm new here.  What does this stuff mean?   I don’t understand the rooster and snake stuff.  What does it mean? "
    The captain eyed Anderson as if he were from another world.  He said, "Where're you from?" 
    Anderson didn’t reply and Francois hesitated and then looked around the room, his eyes resting carefully on each board member.  He continued sarcastically, "How many of the rest of you aren't from here , aren’t Louisiana natives ?"
    Alex, John Ashley, Elizabeth, and Don gave each other a perplexed look and raised their hands .  
    The captain gave a short derisive laugh.  "Well, folks, welcome t o New Orleans .  We've a little of everything here, you know, art, history, culture."  Francois grinned wickedly.
    Dr. Ashley was getting impatient.  "Do you have any theories, any idea who these people are? Who would do this? Do you have any other reports like this?  We're looking for answer s, not a culture lesson.  Please stay focused."   Dr. Ashley was pretty angry with the captain and his laissez faire attitude.
    Captain Francois looked lazily at Ashley. "Yeah, D oc, I got some theories.  Want to hear 'em?"
    Dr. Ashley was frustrated and asked angrily , "I'd just like to know if you have any idea about who did this or why."
    Captain Francois gave Dr. Ashley a rude look.  "It's simple.  I'll give it to you straight." Francois straightened his posture and announced, his voice grim, "Grace Raccine's