FRAMED, page 16
“Not now.” She gave Orange Cat a hasty stroke and grabbed her car keys.
*
Jude picked up on the third ring and greeted Tori warmly.
“I have good news.” Jude’s voice was excited.
“Oh Jude, I hope you haven’t done anything to draw attention to yourself. I worry —”
Jude interrupted. “Hear me out. I’ve conducted passive and active air sampling for volatile organic and sulfide compounds beyond the fence line. It was tricky getting into the lab to use the gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer to analyze them without my boss noticing. But he went on vacation for a week, and I analyzed all my back samples. I also used some direct reading instruments around the neighborhood. Wow, we were right. The levels are significantly above the EPA limits. Especially during flares and process malfunctions.”
A surge of excitement made Tori’s resolve waver. “Just as we thought.”
“I’ve downloaded the results on floppy discs. When can we meet so I can give them to you?”
Tori’s excitement faded. “This is dangerous, Jude. You risk your entire career.”
“We’ve been through this, Tori. I’m doing this for myself as well as you.”
Tori frowned as she reassessed the situation. She’d love to get her hands on that monitoring data even before Jude handed it over to the EPA.
“When can we meet?” Jude pressed.
Tori gave in. “Tomorrow night?” She couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice, not just because of getting the data. She hadn’t seen Jude for weeks, and she missed her. “Meet me at 9:00 p.m. in Woodland Park. In the parking lot off Houston Avenue.”
*
The following night, at 9:00 p.m., Tori drummed her fingers against the steering wheel of her car—the only one in the parking lot. A cop car cruised by and slowed. Tori held her breath. No doubt her solitary car looked suspicious. She breathed out when the cops moved on. She drove to a spot just outside the park entrance to avoid further scrutiny.
Forty-five minutes later, she was still waiting. She hugged herself, rubbing her hands up and down her upper arms, as her mind churned with dark possibilities. Where’s Jude? Has something happened? Has she been caught? Is Van Guy on to her?
Finally, restless and worried, she jumped out of the car to pace the sidewalk, keeping within range of the car and anxiously watching every approaching headlight. Then she stopped abruptly.
An ominous orange glow had begun to spread into the night sky to the east. Her heart leaped into her throat as she stared with her mouth agape.
Chapter 34
Tori drove to a nearby pay phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed Jude’s number. Not even Jude’s voice sounded on the answering machine. She tried again after fifteen minutes, but still, no answer. A cold dread seeped into her bones. Something has happened to her.
Tori covered her face with her hands, taking slow, deliberate breaths to calm her racing thoughts. Then she started the car and headed toward Jude’s apartment. Tori needed to be there, to see and touch her when she returned. She wouldn’t rest until she knew Jude was safe.
As she drove, she flipped through the radio stations for local news. At last, she heard, “A fire and explosion have ravaged the World Petrol refinery in Oilton. Firefighters are battling the blaze, but it’s only 10 percent contained. Residents are advised to stay indoors with doors and windows sealed.”
Her breath hitched. Oh Jude. Had they discovered what she was doing and put her in harm’s way?
Tori pulled over. She took rapid, shallow breaths. Her head was spinning. Her fingers and lips tingled.
It’s my fault.
But after a few agonizing minutes, Tori forced herself to slow her breathing. She was catastrophizing. Jude was likely responding to the emergency, distributing protective gear, and monitoring toxins. With renewed resolve, she continued driving to Jude’s home.
She parked on the curb in front of Jude’s apartment and waited, reclining the car seat. The orange glow in the east grew larger. The radio reported that the fire was only 25 percent contained. Please let Jude be safe. She also worried about the workers and firefighters.
Eventually, her breathing slowed, and she drifted off to sleep.
In the gray light of dawn, she awoke coughing. A smoky haze hung in the air, filling it with an unfamiliar, pungent stench that made her eyes water.
She knocked on Jude’s door in case she’d slipped in without seeing Tori’s car out front, but there was no answer. Flicking on the car radio, she searched for local news.
“The fire at the World Petrol refinery in Oilton has claimed the lives of three workers. It is still only 50 percent contained, and public health officials are urging residents to remain indoors with doors and windows closed.”
She brought her hands to her face. “Oh no, no, no,” she moaned. Who could she call to find out about Jude? And three deaths? She doubted anyone at the refinery would pick up, and it was too early for the press to release the names of the deceased. Her anxiety was almost unbearable. Oh, how she wished she still had those little orange pills.
Stiff as the Tin Man, she had to pee. She started the car and drove to a nearby donut shop. After attending to her basic needs, she found a payphone and called Jo, guessing she wouldn’t have left for work yet.
“I hope I didn’t wake you. Something terrible has happened. There’s been a fire and an explosion at the World Petrol refinery. Three workers were killed. I’m worried sick for my friend—the industrial hygienist I told you about.”
“I saw it on the morning news. It looks horrendous. It’s a shame there were deaths. I hope your friend is okay. She’s an IH, not a process worker, so hopefully she wasn’t injured in the explosion.”
“But I’m sure she’s in the thick of it. I’m concerned too about the workers and residents. This explosion likely released a load of toxins into the air. And I have nowhere to see those who are ill or injured.”
“What about one of the independent pulmonary specialists? Could you possibly use an extra exam room temporarily?”
“Possibly. That’s a good idea. I’ll ask. I just haven’t been able to think straight.”
Should I tell her what Jude really means to me?
“Some good news, Tori. I spoke with my senior partner about your break-in. He agrees that Big Oil may be behind it. I’ve had work on my other cases over the last week or so, but this is now a priority. I’m coming to Houston.”
Tori’s anxiety drained from her body like water from a bathtub. Her knees nearly buckled. “Oh, I’m so glad, Jo.”
“Where are you calling me from?”
She looked around. “I don’t know, somewhere near Jude’s apartment. I went to talk with her, but she never came home. I slept in my car waiting for her.”
Jo was silent.
That probably gave me away.
“Jesus, Tori. Go home. Take a shower. Call around for a place to see patients. I’ll be there soon.”
She could only gulp, “Okay.” Tears welled in her eyes.
“And don’t worry about your friend,” she said, her tone gentle. “If she’s an IH, she knows how to protect herself. She’ll probably get in touch when the emergency is over.”
Chapter 35
Earlier that Monday morning, after calling David to brief him about the refinery explosion and fire, Jo had strolled into the kitchen and put her arms around Kate from behind. She inhaled the smell of maple bacon frying as she nuzzled her ear.
“How did I get so lucky to have a beautiful woman in the kitchen making me blueberry pancakes after a night of dynamite lovemaking?” she whispered low into Kate’s ear.
“Must be your sexy voice and magical touch,” Kate said, turning around for a kiss. They pulled apart only when the pancake began to smoke.
When they sat down to their stack of pancakes and crisp bacon, dousing the lot with Vermont maple syrup, Jo said, “I talked to David about the refinery explosion we saw on the news this morning.”
“It looks bad. I know you saw some of the people who live nearby. It must be awful for them.
Kate’s expression remained somber as Jo continued, “I spoke with David, and he and Colin are now open to adding plaintiffs to our lawsuit. Also, the families of the workers who died in the explosion may separately want to file wrongful death claims.”
Kate’s eyes widened slightly. “Uh-oh, I feel a trip coming on.”
Jo nodded. “I’m going to try to get a flight this afternoon.”
Kate’s brow furrowed. “Will you wear a mask if you’re outside? Protect yourself from the smoke and toxic air?”
Jo smiled. “Yes, of course.”
Kate ate her pancakes in silence for a few minutes, her expression pensive.
“What’s up, sweetheart?” Jo said, though she had an idea.
Kate looked up, her voice tinged with vulnerability. “Will you stay with your old girlfriend again?”
One thing Jo loved about Kate was that she expressed her feelings and concerns openly, so they did not come across as passive-aggressive or indirect.
“Probably at some point, but she was never my lover. We’re just dear friends. I’ll spend most of my time in Oilton talking with plaintiffs.”
Kate avoided looking at her, and Jo reached across the table to take her hand.
“Kate, look at me.”
As Kate’s eyes met hers, they welled with tears.
“I told you I once had a major crush on Tori in college,” Jo said gently. “But that was years ago. Life moves on. Since then, I’ve had relationships with other women. I’m well over my infatuation with her. You’re the woman I want. You, and only you.” She continued to hold Kate’s gaze.
Kate still looked solemn. “What if she makes a move on you?”
The kiss momentarily flashed through Jo’s mind. With a quick huff, she dismissed it and squeezed Kate’s hand. “Oh my God, please don’t keep yourself up at night with such fantasies. I’m a big girl, remember? Also, I’m sure she has much more to worry about now than her love life.”
Kate finally smiled, the tension gone. “Okay,” she said. “Would you like me to give you a ride to the airport?”
Jo grinned. “That would be lovely.”
*
Later that morning, after speaking with Tori, Jo contacted Mary Williams. “How are you, Mary? Is the smoke affecting you?”
“The fire is mostly under control now, and the smoke is not as bad as it was. I’m okay if I stay in the house with the windows and doors closed and the air conditioner on. But I’ve had to change the filter twice,” Mary said.
“I’m glad you’re okay. I’m flying to Houston this afternoon and hope to talk with you and the others in person tomorrow. Would you let them know?”
“Yes, I will. But Maureen, the gal with leukemia, is in the hospital. The doctors don’t expect her to survive.”
Jo sighed and closed her eyes. “Oh no, I’m so sorry.”
“And Georgia, with the asthmatic kids, has just packed up and left for New Mexico to live with her sister. The refinery fire was the last straw.”
Jo understood the difficult choice. “It makes sense that her children’s health took priority, but it’s a shame she had to choose between her marriage and their health.”
“There’s gonna be many more people wanting to talk to you. That awful explosion tipped the scales for them. I’ll spread the word,” Mary said.
“Thanks, Mary.” Jo’s thoughts turned to those most affected by the fire. “Do you know the families of those killed?”
“I know one family very well. They’re just down the street. Mark Evans leaves behind three little ’uns. It’s tragic.”
Jo’s heart went out to the grieving family. “I’m sure his wife is in shock. When you think it’s appropriate, can you let her know I’m here for her if she eventually wants to file a wrongful death lawsuit? It can’t compensate for the loss of her husband, but it might help her care for her children.”
“I will,” Mary said with firm determination. “I best get to work, letting people know you’re a comin’.”
*
When Jo’s plane descended into Houston in the early evening, a smoky haze covered the greater Houston area. She drove south into Houston through the gray haze that irritated her eyes. The fiery red sun bathed the west in an orange glow as it dipped low on the horizon.
“This happens occasionally,” the rental car agent had said. “You get used to it.”
You shouldn’t have to. She could never get used to it.
When she rang the doorbell at Tori’s, she heard the thump, thump, thump of her footsteps as she descended the stairs. Tori opened the door and flung herself into Jo’s arms.
“Oh, Jo, I’m so glad you’re here!” she said, breathlessly.
Jo pulled back and examined her friend. Tori looked even thinner and more exhausted than when Jo last saw her.
“Have you heard from the industrial hygienist?” Jo asked with genuine concern.
“No, and I’m so worried. I’ve been calling her house every hour.” Tori grabbed Jo’s carry-on bag and pulled her by the arm into the house.
“As I said, she’ll probably be all right. Have you had dinner?”
“No, I’m not hungry.”
“You must keep up your strength, doctor,” Jo insisted, striding to the kitchen and opening the refrigerator. “I’m making a salad. Do you have any protein?”
Tori appeared frazzled and distraught all evening, far from the cool, confident physician in a crisis Jo thought she knew. Tori barely managed to choke down her salad, and two glasses of wine did nothing to calm her. She sprang from the couch and paced, calling her friend several times from the house phone, apparently unconcerned that it might be tapped.
Orange Cat had picked up her tension and kept zooming across the living room with no visible provocation, his claws clattering and rucking up the rug.
Was it her friendship with the industrial hygienist or the possible loss of access to World Petrol’s monitoring data that caused Tori such distress? Either way, the intensity of Tori’s agitated worry surprised her. So far, Jo’s efforts to distract her had failed.
“Did you contact any physician colleagues to see if they have space you might use to see patients from the refinery?”
“Not yet, but I will first thing tomorrow morning,” Tori said, continuing to pace.
Worn out, Jo eventually gave up. “Go to bed, Tori. You can’t do anything tonight. You need your sleep. Do whatever you normally do to calm yourself.”
She hugged Tori and retired to the guest room to read herself to sleep. Half an hour later, she heard Tori’s footsteps come up the stairs and cross the landing. They paused at her door. She lowered her book and waited. A few moments later, the footsteps continued down the hall, and Tori’s bedroom door clicked shut.
Chapter 36
As the morning sun leaked through the blinds, Tori sprang into action to secure a consulting office. She made several calls until Jo’s stirring in the kitchen signaled it was time to join her downstairs.
Tori hugged Jo good morning and announced, “Right away, I found an allergy office willing to rent me space to see patients three days a week. The arrangement is almost too good to be true—no need to set up my own scheduling and billing system. It’ll fit right into theirs.”
“That’s wonderful, Tori. When can you start?”
“As early as this Thursday. In only two days.”
“Fantastic!” Jo said. She raised her palm for a high five.
Tori’s excitement was muted. She still couldn’t contact Jude. Jo handed her a plate of scrambled eggs and toast, her expression somber. “I spoke with Mary Williams yesterday. She knew one of the workers who was killed. Mark Evans. He leaves behind a wife and three young children.”
Tori nearly dropped the plate. “Oh, no. I know him. He’s one of my patients. He was toxic from exposure to volatile organics, but he didn’t want to piss off the company and file a workers’ comp claim.”
She sank into the kitchen chair and rubbed her forehead. “And now he’s dead. His poor family.”
“I’m so sorry.” Jo touched her arm. “I can help his wife bring a wrongful death claim.” She took her hand away. “Small comfort, I know.”
Jo remained standing. “I’ve already eaten, and I must be off. I told Mary I’d be there by ten this morning.”
*
When Jo left for her meeting, Tori remained seated, her gaze drifting blankly over her plate of untouched breakfast. The silence was oppressive, filled with thoughts of Mark and the other workers who had lost their lives.
And Jude. Where is she? The uncertainty was unbearable. She left her breakfast and grabbed her car keys.
Tori headed to Jude’s apartment, praying she’d finally be there. As she pulled up to the curb, Jude emerged from around the corner, her work clothes covered in soot, and her eyes red-rimmed. Her face was grimy around where she’d worn a respirator, and strands of sweaty auburn hair clung to her forehead. When she saw Tori, she dropped her hard hat and stood still, eyes wide.
Tori’s heart leaped for joy. She jumped out of the car and rushed toward her. She threw her arms around Jude, who slumped against her. Tori buried her face in Jude’s hair, ignoring the reek of smoke. She held on tight, tears pricking her eyes.
“Oh, Jude,” she breathed. “I’ve been so worried.”
Jude coughed a dry, racking cough.
Alarm shot through Tori, and she pulled away. “You’re not well. Let’s get you inside.”
She helped Jude up the stairs and fumbled in Jude’s pack for the keys. Inside, Jude collapsed onto the couch with another fit of coughing. She brought Jude a glass of water, helped her out of her filthy overalls, and covered her with a blanket.
“Thank you,” Jude rasped. “I was okay until I got home. Then I just hit a wall.”
Tori hugged her. “Stay sitting up. I’ll go downstairs and get my medical bag.”
Tori was relieved to find that her stethoscope and medical bag were still in the trunk, untouched since her firing from the clinic. Upstairs, she pressed her stethoscope to Jude’s chest. Loud wheezes.
