Page 27 of Savage Peril

After a brief exam and a few more questions, Lori determined that the pain resulted from a fracture of the humerus bone in his left arm. The injury had happened so long ago that it was a matter of controlling the pain and keeping the joint limber.

Lori recommended physical therapy, yet cautioned that treatment could relieve the stiffness, but not resolve the condition. She learned that Lorenzo had tried physical therapy, but the pain persisted. Since he had a doctor, Lori began to wonder why she’d been asked to visit.

“I can prescribe pain medication to make you more comfortable,” Lori said.

Marco and Flavio looked on during the exam without interrupting. Lorenzo’s attitude made it obvious that he was in charge.

“We thought you’d be able to provide what he needs,” Flavio said.

That seemed like an odd way of phrasing it, but Lori nodded. “I’ll give him a prescription for ten days, but then he should see his regular doctor.”

“But you could give him more, if he needed it?” Flavio said.

Lori wasn’t sure what he was getting at. She wasn’t going to overprescribe, if that was what he was implying.

“I knew your father,” Lorenzo said. “I respected him for establishing the largest pain clinic in this city.”

“I don’t recall him mentioning you.”

“Oh, I didn’t know him well,” Lorenzo said. “But I admired his work. He was in a lucrative field, considering he dealt with pain relief.”

“I suppose.”

“A couple years back, OxyContin was in high demand,” Lorenzo said. “Your father dispensed plenty of it, I’m sure.”

“What are you saying?”

“Just that the same drugs used in your clinic are worth big money on the black market.” Lorenzo let that sink in.

“Pain medication is highly addictive,” Lori said. “Demand might drive illegal drug sales, but any competent doctor controls the use for the patient’s safety.”

Flavio shifted in his seat and Marco stared at the carpet. Lori felt like she’d missed something—or maybe she hadn’t.

“OxyContin is the most popular drug on the street with addicts,” Lorenzo said.

“It seems like you know a lot about it.” Lori held her breath, unsure how to proceed.

“I hear many things.” Lorenzo gave her a penetrating look. “There is a lot of money to be made.”

Lori returned her medical supplies to her bag, taking the opportunity to turn away and regain her composure. She scribbled out a prescription for a low dose of pain medication and handed it to her patient. “I’ll be on my way.”

Marco stood to escort her out. “I want to thank you for coming.”

Lori wanted to get out. It wasn’t that she thought the thugs would gun her down, but she was anxious to get away from the unsettling atmosphere. The mob wanted her to funnel drugs to them for profit.

She was insulted, and terrified that they would pursue her. Most of what she knew about the mob was from movies, and she feared repercussions from refusing their offer. It had been a mistake to visit a new patient at his home.

She wouldn’t return or write any more prescriptions for Lorenzo Cambio. It was a shame that Marco had turned her good deed against her. She had saved his life, and in return he’d put her in a dangerous situation.

The guard watched Lori walk to her car and drive down the hill. She must have read too much into that conversation. As the massive gate slowly opened, she felt like a trapped bird gasping for oxygen. But once she was on the road, her mind began to clear.

Lori had treated a mobster for shoulder pain; that was all. He was a patient like any other. The conversation had drifted onto unwelcome topics, but what else had she expected to talk about with them? There had been no agreement proposed or any business offer made. It had been only idle talk—upsetting for sure, but nothing to worry about.

*****

Murder was no light matter, and Gunner feared for Lori’s safety. He called Rip in Houston for assistance to get a lead on any person who wanted Robert Waters dead. He had failed to come up with any possibilities in Los Angeles, so cast a wider net.

Rip took the call, and Gunner got him up to speed. “Lori and her father regularly attended medical conventions at the Houston clinic. I need you to look into it.”

---