Awaiting the Bells

By James Steele

After Dr. Marion Larson is unable to save a dying trauma patient he receives an unexpected message that shows him that sometimes there's a reason for letting the dead move on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Steele
• Release date: Jun 13, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458167545

James Steele

James “Jim” Steele (CISSP, MCSE: Security, Security+) has a career rich with experience in the security, computer forensics, network development, and management fields. For over 15 years he has played integral roles regarding project management, systems administration, network administration, and enterprise security management in public safety and mission-critical systems. As a Senior Technical Consultant assigned to the NYPD E-911 Center, he designed and managed implementation of multiple systems for enterprise security; he also performed supporting operations on-site during September 11, 2001, and the blackout of 2003. Jim has also participated in foreign projects such as the development of the London Metropolitan Police C3i Project, for which he was a member of the Design and Proposal Team. Jim’s career as a Technical Consultant also includes time with the University of Pennsylvania and the FDNY. His time working in the diverse network security field and expert knowledge of operating systems and network products and technologies has prepared him for his current position as Manager of Digital Forensics with a large wireless carrier. His responsibilities include performing workstation, server, PDA, cell phone, and network forensics as well as acting as a liaison to multiple law enforcement agencies, including the United States Secret Service and the FBI. On a daily basis he investigates cases of fraud, employee integrity, and compromised systems. Jim is a member of HTCC, NYECTF, InfraGard, CTIN and the HTCIA.

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Awaiting the Bells

By James W. Steele

Copyright ©2011 James W. Steele

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The torn skin that fell away from the muscle underneath made him look like a special effects creature from a horror movie. Exposed veins journeyed up the patient’s jaw line and spread like fingers as they dove into the skull.

Do you have an airway yet?

Marion Larson had not seen a facial trauma that bad since his first year of residency on the burn unit. In some ways, it seemed worse. This time, he was calling out the orders, not the one following them.

Blood oozed from every orifice, almost intentionally blocking the anesthesiologist from identifying the vocal cords and allowing him to place a breathing tube.

Damn it! Larson, I can’t see the light of day down here, he remarked.

Tracheotomy?! Dr. Larson asked in response.

The anesthesiologist did not look up as he spoke. Would it make a damn difference? Sat levels are in the 60’s and his pulse is feeble from what I can tell.

The anesthesiologist was a wiry man with beady eyes and dark facial hair that hid his mouth when he talked. His name was Dr. Phillips, as it proclaimed on his white crème lab coat.

The patient’s feeble heart rate suddenly fell into nothing at all.

Asystole, crash cart NOW! Dr. Larson commanded.

As nurses swarmed the dying man, Marion Larson watched the monitor like a stockbroker waiting for the right moment to trade shares. Little colored numbers accompanied with straight lines streaked across a blackened screen. Defibrillator pads were placed and everyone stood back from the patient as he was shocked. Electricity ran