Of course, there were those who tried to take every advantage of the situation. They stole what they could and sold it on the black market. They promised cures for a price that some desperate families could not resist when faced with the loss of a loved one. Perhaps the worst of the worst were those that threatened to infect people if they did not pay the price the extortioners demanded. These were the most sought after by law enforcement. Pervasive surveillance and biometrics proved their worth as arrests were eventually made.
But no matter how hard the government tried there were always people falling through the safety net. Then something happened that was unexpected. Private individuals took it upon themselves to deliver services to those in need. It wasn't just altruism though; it was as commercial as any business. But except for a few outliers, most of the services were provided at a reasonable cost considering the danger the providers were taking upon themselves. It was enough to supplement the government's efforts and keep those in need from perishing. It was enough to keep some semblance of order in a society on the brink of disintegration.
But it wasn't enough to keep complete order.
“Damn kid!” exclaimed Rivera, pounding the steering wheel.
“Okay,” he said to the other two, Lamoille and Camel. “We've wasted enough time, what's the next address Camel?”
“765 Hyperion Avenue,” said Camel.
The SUV pulled into the driveway and stopped. The driveway continued to the back of the house. The house itself had at one time been a single private residence. Maybe a hundred years old it was now partitioned into separate units. The unit Rivera wanted was in the front.
Rivera unfolded his Annie and reviewed the target information. He then straightened his suit tie and walked up to the front door with the medical satchel in his hand. He knocked and waited.
An elderly lady called from inside, “Who is it?”
“Mrs. Cheevers?”
“Yes.”
“It's Dr. Joseph Sachs. If you remember, we talked over the phone?”
“Oh yes Dr. Sachs, I remember.”
“Mrs. Cheevers, I believe I told you I would try to get by today. Is it okay if I come in?”
“Well, I guess so, although I had forgotten it was today, wait while I get my keys.”
Once inside Rivera asked, “How is your husband today Mrs. Cheevers?”
“He sleeps most of the time. I don't think there is much change.”
“Have you considered what we discussed over the phone? I believe he is an excellent candidate for our treatment. I mean, as I told you, I can't guarantee it because each person reacts somewhat differently to the regimen but after our discussion, I believe he may be one of them.”
“Well, the doctors at the hospital aren't any more help. They've given up on poor Mitch. Do you really think it could do some good?”
“I wouldn't be here if I didn't think there was a good chance Mrs. Cheevers. I have to choose the patients carefully, there's only so many hours in the day.”
“Oh, I understand Dr. Sachs. It's just that it's a lot of money.”
“I know Mrs. Cheevers and I'm sorry to have to ask but your payment will go towards making more treatments that will be offered to others. For them, like your husband, it may be the only hope.”
“Okay Dr. Sachs, if you will administer your treatment I will get the checkbook. Is a check okay?”
“That will be fine Mrs. Cheevers.”
It didn't take Rivera long to administer the 'treatment', a concentrated vitamin B shot and leave the sugar pills with Mrs. Cheevers. He took the thousand-dollar check with him.
“Please keep me informed Mrs. Cheevers, you have my number, I am always available to my patients.”
“Thank you Dr. Sachs and goodbye.”
“Goodbye Mrs. Cheevers.”
Back in the SUV Rivera handed the check to Laimoille. “Scan that quickly and make sure it deposits,” he said.
Laimoille scanned the check with his Annie. A few seconds and he signaled thumbs up. Rivera started the SUV.
“Who's next Camel?”
They drove away to their next 'appointment'.
No comments:
Post a Comment