Page 47 of Heart of a Hero

“There are nurses, nursing aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and trained therapeutic aides. Oh, and we also offer counseling services.”

“Are you in charge of all the services?”

She shook her head. “No.” She hesitated, then sighed. This interview will never end at this pace. “The ESHH has a board that oversees the process. It is reviewed annually and is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program. There is a director of all services, Emily Klein, and she reports to the board.”

“And what are your job duties and requirements?”

“I’m the lead nurse for the ESHH North Heron County division. I take the referrals that come in for this county. Once I have the physician's orders and reviewed the need, I set up a visit at the home. I always check blood pressure, temperature, and, if necessary, weight. I review the physician’s recommendations to ensure the patient agrees. We consider their needs as far as physical, occupational, or speech therapy is concerned and if assistance with the household is needed.”

“When you are in a house with the patient, how do you assess the home?”

Karen pinched her lips together. “You know, it would be easier if I knew what you were looking for,” she grumbled, then felt foolish when Brad and Elizabeth remained quiet. Sucking in a deep breath, she replied, “I visually assess the cleanliness of the home. Is there a family member or other person who is readily available? Do they have the necessary equipment if it’s needed? Shower chair. Walker. Cane. Toilet handles. Bed rail. Wheelchair. A recliner that also lifts. Are there rugs that can be tripped on? Do they have access to food? I review everything with them to see what they have and need.”

“Is there someone with you when you move about the house?”

At that question, her chin jerked back.What do they think I’ve seen? Or done?“It depends. If able, I have the patient with me to explain what I am doing or looking for. Often, a family member or caretaker goes with me.”

“What about the others who provide services? Do they do some of the same things? Assess the home, for example?”

Her brow furrowed. “Well… yes. The therapists would be in the home more than I would for all their appointments and would continue to check for the proper equipment and safety of the home. I, or another nurse, would visit weekly or everyother week as needed. The therapists report to me if they find any issues. And if they have needs such as cleaning, dressing, mobility, bathing, eating… a nursing aide would visit daily if a friend or relative would not be available to take on the tasks.”

At this point, Brad glanced toward Elizabeth before fixing his gaze on Karen. A familiar, sickening sensation twisted in her gut, the same cold, hard rock that had hit her the moment they’d asked her to come into the station. She wanted to scream, to demand answers, but she kept her expression neutral, locking her emotions into a tight box. No way would she let them see how rattled she felt.

“Detectives, I’ve answered all of your questions to the best of my ability. And I’ll say that they are uncomfortably similar to Detective Robbins’s questions during a personal visit. Can you please tell me what is going on? Was he actively questioning me at that time?”

Brad dipped his chin, trying but failing to hide his wince. When he returned his gaze to her, he cleared his throat. “Detective Robbins has been actively involved in the investigation, but I have no reason to think he was questioning you on his personal time. When investigating the rash of break-ins that have occurred over the past several weeks, they appear to have a commonality. Every one of them has been involved with the ESHH. We need to know who can access confidential information and how it might have been misused.”

At that, Karen's eyes widened. She had heard of two of their clients being burglarized but had not heard mention of any others. Her mind grappled to understand the significance of what Brad was saying. Suddenly, she jolted upright in her seat. “And you thinkIhad something to do with it?” she squeaked, no longer worrying about how her fear shone through.

“Right now, we don’t have any evidence that points to you other than you were in each of the houses.”

Her mouth dropped open, and she shook her head in disbelief. “I have often been alone in a patient’s house! Some of our patients live alone, and that’s why they need our services in the first place.”

“No one is accusing you of stealing,” Brad said softly.

Still shaking her head, Karen scoffed. “Then why am I here?”

“Because unwittingly or unknowingly, someone from the ESHH would have information on these homes that could be provided to someone else who is breaking, entering, and stealing.”

“Oh my God!” She dropped her head into her hands. Suddenly, lifting her head back up, she said, “I do not believe for one moment anyone on my staff would steal from somebody. Or… or… tell someone else what was in the home.”

“That’s why we needed to bring you here so that there were no listening ears in your office regarding what was being discussed. I know you found this embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it was the only way for us to find out the workings of the ESHH and who might have access to confidential information.”

Karen let his words sink in, her mind rebelling against the idea that anyone she knew would knowingly betray patients’ trust. But even if it had been done unknowingly, the breach of confidentiality was a serious matter. She rubbed her forehead, trying to dispel the pounding headache that now throbbed behind her eyes. With a heavy sigh, she met Brad’s gaze. “I assure you, I have no idea what’s going on. But I also realize you have no reason to just take my word for it. I’ll offer any assistance I can to help you figure this out. But… I’m still a suspect, aren’t I?”

Brad’s hesitation was brief but noticeable. “I wouldn’t say suspect,” he answered, his tone careful.

“I find that answer to be evasive, but I’m assuming you’re using legalese. Am I a person of interest? I believe that’s the term I hear on TV.”

Brad’s mouth pressed into a thin line, but it was Elizabeth who spoke. “The investigation is ongoing, Ms. Drummond. The North Heron Sheriff’s Department appreciates your cooperation, and we may need to come back to you for more information.”

As the full weight of their words settled on her, Karen’s thoughts turned immediately to Mark. The reality of their situation hit her like a sledgehammer—there wouldn’t be another date. How could there be? He was investigating her, for God’s sake. How could a relationship continue under those circumstances? And worse, how could she trust someone who hadn’t warned her this was coming?

Letting out a long, slow breath, she nodded, then looked between the two detectives and asked, “Is the interview over? Am I free to leave?”

“Yes, you are,” Elizabeth said, and if Karen wasn’t mistaken, she heard a touch of sympathy in the other woman’s voice. She felt the female detective knew exactly where her thoughts had gone when it pertained to Mark. “We ask that you not discuss what was talked about here. The investigation is ongoing, and we may need to follow up.”

Karen stood, feeling the tremble in her legs despite her best efforts to remain composed. With deliberate movements, she slid her coat over her shoulders, taking time to button and belt it. Every movement was slow and methodical, as though doing so might stave off the overwhelming urge to flee the station. She picked up her purse and turned toward the door, waiting for Elizabeth to open it.

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