Free Power Play by Dara Girard Page B

shrugged. “I don’t remember.”
    She sent him a sly glance. “Which means you’re not going to tell me?”
    The corner of Edmund’s mouth kicked up in a grin. “That’s right.”
    “Thanks anyway.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    “I do have one concern about the level of technology in her room.”
    “It’s in all of the rooms. The residents like it. Don’t worry.”
    “I am worried about its sophistication. Some of these people remember when there was only radio.”
    “We have found that many of the residents are eager to use the technology and have adapted very quickly. We also have people who train those who feel uneasy, and the software is built to handle human error. Requests can be repeated a number of times to make sure that the computer understands them.”
    “I see. And there’s another thing.”
    “I thought you only had one concern.”
    “Now I have two. I’m worried about the safety issue with regard to your idea of merging seniors with youthful family residents. How rigorous is the screening process?”
    “Very rigorous. All of the family members go through a strict process before they are selected, and we do a background check for each to make sure there are no surprises.”
    “And you have seen seniors improve with this ‘merging’ theory?”
    “In many aging communities, the rate of depression is very high. Not so here. The residents are content and happy. We have people heal faster following bouts of illness, surgeries or hospitalization. In addition, the rate of infections, hip fractures and other debilitating illness are at an all-time low among our residents. Also, their family members feel comfortable, and we have an extra support system just for caregivers so that they don’t feel so overwhelmed and isolated. Take a close look at Gregory’s reports, the evidence is all there.”
    “Hmm. Still, about the technology—do you think it’s wise to have seniors deal with all these gadgets? The one in the shower looked complicated.”
    “Relax, Mary. If they ever have a problem, there’s a person on call twenty-four hours a day.”
    They walked down the hall in silence. Then Mary noticed another wing. “What’s down that hall?”
    “Patients who need extra care.”
    “So you have a medical facility on the premises?”
    “Yes.”
    “Must be costly with the risks and insurance involved.”
    “We manage.”
    “I’d like to see it.”
    Edmund glanced at his watch. “And I’d like to show it to you, but it will have to be another time.” He gently took her arm and ushered her forward. Mary got the distinct impression that there was something he didn’t want her to know, and she intended to find out what.

Chapter 5
     
    M ary was nervous about her date with Derrick. She had been fine when Larry and Sara had been around, but how would she be when she was alone? She hadn’t been on a date in years. How should the new Mary act? What should she wear? The day of her date, that Friday, Mary called Sara at work and asked her to help her find something for that evening.
    “Sorry,” Sara said. “But I have to work overtime. I’m sure you’ll look great in anything you choose.”
    “I could still use your advice. I don’t mind waiting until you get off work. You could help me with my makeup and what I should say.”
    “I wish I could, but I’m busy. I know you’ll be fine. Just be yourself.”
    Unfortunately, Mary wasn’t sure being herself was enough and couldn’t help but feel a little betrayed that Sara couldn’t find the time to help her. She sat at her desk, chewing her lip. What would The Black Stockings Society suggest? They had a Web site—perhaps that would offer tips. Mary typed in her special code, but the system wouldn’t allow access. That evening, she went home frustrated. There was no one to help her. She stared at the clothes in her closet, then remembered Rania, the woman who’d helped her select them. She’d given her a card. Mary rifled through her