Following Claire

By A. A. MacQueen

The day that Mac MacClaine sold his company for $60 million turned into the worst day of his life. He learned that plans that had taken a lifetime to form could be changed in an instant. Still dealing with his own tragedy, Mac steps up to improve the lives of others, some complete strangers.

A family crisis takes Mac to the Nation's Capital and challenges him to resolve it one way or another. A sixteen year old girl's life hangs in the balance as Mac calls in a couple of favors and comes to know one Harry Kincaid. Like Mac, Kincaid favors the 'direct approach' to things. Kincaid's problem solving style, however, usually involves someone going to a hospital... or the morgue

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. A. MacQueen
• Release date: Aug 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465736369

A. A. MacQueen

I interrupted a Bridge game one Saturday night in 1947. Though I remained an only child, my parents continued to play Bridge well into their 80s. I lived the nomad life of an "Army Brat," which I consider a wonderful up-bringing even though I did attend 10 schools in 12 years. I began writing as soon as I could hold one of those fat pencils to my Big Chief tablet but I allowed a 30 year career in sales to get in the way of taking it seriously. I got a degree in Economics from Auburn University and there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that after five years of missteps and changed majors, they just threw a diploma into my car when I drove slowly down College Street. I spent three years working for Uncle Sam as an Army officer and served one of those years in the Garden Spot of Southeast Asia, otherwise known as Vietnam... also known as "the land of the two-way rifle range." I'm not one of those malcontents with a chip on his shoulder for having served there. I am proud of my service to the country to whom we all owe so much. I made life-long friends in the Army and saw parts of life that I would not otherwise have seen. Much of my writing draws from that experience. I write for pleasure. Both mine and yours.

Book preview

Prologue

The love of my life stood at the bathroom sink brushing her teeth. She wore a damp towel wrapped tightly around her body as she always did having just stepped from the shower. At 56 she still turns more than a few heads and I find her every bit as lovely as the day I married her. I’ll meet you at the Vineyard, I said to Claire. It’ll be okay if I’m there by five, right?

She put her toothbrush down, turned to me and said, "Please be there on time, Jack. You know how much Betsy’s wedding means. And you know how you run late once you get involved at the office. I swear you enter some kind of time warp when you walk through the door.

Well, look who’s talking, Dr. Davenport. You’ve been known to run a little late once you get involved, too.

Touche’, Jack. Sometimes I just can’t leave a waiting room full of sick kids…and their worried mammas.

I know, Baby. I’m just glad you’ve cut back to 3 days a week.

And once you’ve sold the company, I’ll cut back even more. I can’t wait to have more time for us.

Soon, Claire. Soon. My meeting today is the last one. It’s at Jim’s law office to finalize the acquisition. When I’m home everyday chasing you around the house I’ll bet you’ll wish I was back in my little time warp.

We’ll just see about that, she said. She came close and put her arms around me clasping her hands behind my neck. Her fragrance, ‘Angel,’ teased me as I held her. I loved that scent and had come to call it ‘Essence of Claire.’

I’ve shared you with that company long enough. And I’ll believe you’ve actually sold it when you show me the check.

She’s been good to us, Claire. And as soon as the acquisition is complete, she’ll be even better.

How appropriate you would refer to ‘her.’ At times she has certainly seemed like the ‘other woman.’ It’s been successful, Jack because you’re smart and you’ve worked very hard. You certainly gave her your time and attention. I know you will miss her.

I slid my hands under the towel and pulled Claire closer to me. Winking at her, I said, Well, I guess that will depend on how you keep me busy.

She backed away and said, I’ve got errands to run before I leave and you’ve got to go. Nicki is already up at the Vinyard and I guess Jim and Sarah will be coming when Jim gets home. So, you be on time.

Yes, Dear. I will. See you at five.

She kissed me and said, I love you, Jack.

I love you, too.

We never know what our last words to someone will be. It is little comfort knowing that my last words to Claire were, I love you. But if I could have chosen them, that’s what they would have been.

CHAPTER ONE

It was one of those days in the early spring when people who live there claim that Atlanta is just showing off. The azaleas are ablaze in the hedges that adorn so much of the landscape and the dogwoods in full bloom look like ornaments which have certainly found favor with The Almighty. The clear sky wraps its arms around you and kisses you with temperatures the locals call shirt sleeve weather.

On this springtime Saturday, Jack Davenport found himself enjoying everything about his ride to the offices of Jackson, Day, and Murphy, L.L.P. Planning to join his wife at a friend’s wedding later, Jack looked only mildly out of place in his charcoal gray suit as he piloted his Jeep down Peachtree Street with no top or sides. The Lexus could just sit in the garage on a day like this. He wheeled into a visitor’s spot in the parking deck of the midtown office tower finding a place on the first level. Only associates and junior partners would find themselves cooped up in an office this Saturday and it was Jack’s son-in-law who held just such a position at Jackson Day and had arranged the meeting.

Jim Stone had married Sarah Alison Davenport as soon as he graduated from Yale Law in June of 2006. He had worked hard, taking a special interest in mergers and acquisitions. He settled in well at Jackson Day. He also settled in well with Jack and Claire Davenport, who had grown to love him for the husband he was to their oldest daughter, and the father he had become to ‘Little Jack,’ their only grandchild. When Jack gave signs of selling Peach Tech Plastics, Jim was naturally his trusted advisor, negotiator, and advocate. It was Jim who had struck the deal with Globaltron Industries for the acquisition.

Jack would leave this meeting with a cashier’s check made out to John Alexander Davenport in the amount of $60 million.

Come in, Jack, Jim said as he was shown into one of the firm’s conference rooms. I believe you know these gentlemen."

Hello, Frank, Jack said shaking the hand of Frank Lawson, CEO of Globaltron. Frank stood 6’5 and was impeccably dressed in Navy blue pinstripes with a white pocket square. Welcome back to Atlanta. I trust you had no problems getting in. And, Hi Skip. Good to see you again," Jack said as he shook the hand of Skip Borsky, Chief Counsel for Globaltron.

Great to see you again, too, Jack. This is quite a day. You know Skip and I had planned to be at the Masters today down in Augusta. Only a meeting with you could keep us from that, said Frank.

Why, thank you, Frank. Had I known you were going to the Masters, we could have postponed this little meeting until Monday.

Not a chance. When Jim told us that he had gotten your final approval, we wanted to close this deal right away. You’ve built quite a nice company, Jack. It will fit very well with our strategic plans at Globaltron, said Skip. Besides, we’ve got the Citation waiting for us so we’ll see the final round tomorrow. Can you join us?

"Oh, I’d love to, Skip. But as soon as we’re finished here I’m meeting my wife to attend the wedding of our goddaughter, Betsy Russell. Her father is Charlie Russell. He was my business partner in the early years at Peach Tech. I bought him out 20 years ago but Charlie and Susan have remained our closest friends.

Jim motioned toward the table and said, Gentlemen, shall we sit and review the documents? Skip’s team and ours have gone over every page and I believe everything is in order. It’s now just a matter of getting all the signatures in the right places.

The signing began in earnest as all four men penned their names to the documents that would bring Peach Tech Plastics, Jack’s company for so many years, into the Globaltron conglomerate, Lawson’s firm that was based in Tucson, Arizona. With all the signing done, Jim looked at Frank Lawson and said, Skip wired your funds into our firm’s escrow account yesterday. I have here our check to Jack for the proceeds of the sale. Please take a look to insure that the amount is correct and it is in order.

Looks right to me, said Frank. He then turned back to Jack, passed the check to him and said, Jack, I am honored to purchase your company and bring it into Globaltron. I admire what you have built in Peach Tech and as I’ve gotten to know you, I feel like I’ve made a friend.

Thanks very much, Frank. Peach Tech has been my baby for the last 30 years. Claire has even referred to her as my ‘other woman.’ I would only hand her over to someone that I believe will care for her. If I can ever be of service, I’m right on the other end of the telephone line. I feel like I’ve made a friend, too.

What do you plan to do with yourself now, Jack? Frank asked. My bet is that it’s going to be quite a change for you to have time on your hands.

You’re right Frank, said Jack. But, I’m actually looking forward to it. You know Claire has been winding down from her medical practice. She’s brought in a couple of younger docs and our youngest daughter, Nicki is almost out of her pediatric residency. So, Claire and I are both looking forward to figuring out what the ‘leisure life’ is all about.

That’s great. You know, I’ve got a cabin up in northwest Washington on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Fran and I would love for you and Claire to come up and spend some time there. It’s a pretty place and right there on the water that’s just teeming with salmon. We don’t get up there much and I really like having someone there enjoying it. What d’ya say?

CABIN??? Jack, Frank’s place on the Strait is hardly what I’d call a cabin. Palace, maybe, said Skip. He had our leadership team up there last summer for a working retreat. I’ve been begging for an invite to go back ever since.

That sound great, Frank. You know we just might take you up on it.

Just say the word. It’s an open invitation.

Everyone shook hands and bid their farewells. As they were leaving Frank said, Look for us on the 18th green tomorrow, guys. We’ll be there. We’ll be back in Tucson Monday afternoon.

I will look for you. Enjoy the golf and the beautiful scenery of Augusta National.

With Frank and Skip on their way, Jack turned to Jim, held out the check he had just received, and said, I’m not used to having quite this much change rattling around in my pocket, Jim. Would you mind holding this in the firm’s safe and depositing it for me on Monday?

I suppose we can handle that for you, Jack, said Jim. Congratulations on the sale. I think the Globaltron folks are a fine group and will take good care of Peach Tech. Are you heading up to the wedding now? You’re welcome to ride with us. I just need to drop by and pick up the sitter for Little Jack, then Sarah. Nicki is a bridesmaid so she’s already up there.

I’ve got the Jeep and Claire is already on her way, Jack said. She was convinced I’d be late so she drove alone. If we had planned this better we wouldn’t have so many cars going to the same place. I’ll just see you there. I’m enjoying the open air in the Jeep today anyway.

And here, stamp my parking ticket, will you? Lawson Day has made enough on this transaction to handle the parking.

CHAPTER TWO

Out of the midtown parking deck Jack cut over to the Financial Center and took GA 400 North. The ride up to Tuscania Vinyard situated in the verdant mountains of north Georgia would only take an hour, maybe less, putting him at Claire’s side just in time to say, I told you I’d be here in time.

The wide open Jeep was traveling well at 65 miles per hour and moving right along with the fairly light traffic. Jack had donned his Atlanta Braves cap to help shade him from the afternoon sun and minimize the windblown look as much as possible. He had stowed his suit coat in a carry bag and was basking in the Chamber of Commerce weather as he headed north. He had gone about 20 miles when traffic volume increased and began to slow.

50 miles per hour, 45, 30, then… stop. Traffic in the southbound lane was reduced to zero. As Jack sat waiting, he only hoped that the jam would clear so that he’d make the Vinyard in time. After 10 minutes of sitting, traffic began to slowly move north and the southbound lane loosened to a trickle. The sunny blue sky was momentarily eclipsed as a brilliant red helicopter with the markings, Metro LifeFlight sped south. Jack said a silent prayer for those onboard and wished them well once they arrived at wherever they were being taken. Still moving at a snail’s pace, the source of the congestion gradually came into view.

There are moments in time when a split second can change the course of everything. At 4:17 p.m. on April 10, 2010, the life of Jack Davenport changed forever.

The median of the highway was a disaster of strewn metal, plowed turf and automobile wreckage. The crystal clear sky was now tainted with dust that hung heavily in the air over the scene. Jack’s attention was immediately drawn to the trunk of a shiny black automobile barely visible under an overturned flatbed trailer.

No. He whispered.

As he grew nearer he could make out the 3 spoke symbol of Mercedes Benz.

NO. he shouted.

Closer still, he read the Georgia license plate. KID DOC.

NO. NO. NO. Jack was screaming as he pulled his Jeep into the median, jumped out and ran past the Georgia State Trooper trying to direct traffic past the scene.

Sir, Stop. shouted the Trooper as he chased Jack to the wreckage. Sir. I must ask you to step back. Come back here to me… NOW. Sir. Come here.

Where is she? Jack shouted above the noise of the traffic passing by. His face was contorted with fear. He turned to the young Trooper as an older officer approached at a trot.

Sir, I’m Sergeant Jeffries. Do you recognize this car?

It’s my wife’s car, Jack bellowed. Where is she?

Jeffries held a laminated driver’s license out for Jack to see. Is this your wife, Sir?

Jack’s legs momentarily buckled and he felt nauseas as he gazed at Claire’s picture on the license. Yes, he said. Where is she?

She’s on the chopper, Sir. Please, come with me. I will get you to the hospital. Give me the keys to your Jeep and we will take care of it for you. Do you need to get anything out of it? Clothing? Valuables? You may be a while.

Sergeant Jeffries turned to the trooper and gave him instructions to impound Jack’s Jeep. He led Jack over to his cruiser, seated him on the passenger’s side of the front seat and entered the southbound lane with lights and sirens fully engaged.

Jack’s head was spinning. He felt numb as if he were having an out of body experience. Oh, Claire, he silently prayed, Please be okay. Please, Baby. Please.

Where were you headed, Sir? Jeffries asked Jack.

To a wedding. Sergeant, did you see her? Is she going to be okay?

It’s not for me to say, Sir. Let’s just hope she’s a fighter. The paramedics called the LifeFlight as soon as they got to the scene. And the chopper got there within minutes. They were able to get her out of the car okay. But, Sir, she had experienced quite an impact.

What happened? Why is Claire’s car in the median?

As near as we can figure, the flatbed had jackknifed in the southbound lane. The trailer decoupled and was rolling across the median. We can only guess that your wife turned onto the median thinking the trailer was going to roll into her lane. Of course we don’t know that. But some of the witnesses seem to think that’s what happened.

Where did they take her and how long until we get there?

Cases like this go to the Trauma Center at Grady Memorial downtown, Sir. That’s where the chopper is based. We’ll get there as quick as we can.

Jack thought about calling Sarah or Jim. With Nicki being a bridesmaid, and all of them at the wedding, he didn’t want to ruin it. And, he didn’t know what to tell them. He decided to wait until they called him and hoped he would have good news then.

Jeffries was good to his word. He was steering the cruiser in and out of traffic pushing it as fast as he could go. He pulled into the Emergency Entrance at 5:19. Jack jumped from the cruiser and burst through the swinging doors of the E.R. The scene in the reception was relatively peaceful. The staff was no doubt readying themselves for the Saturday night fare of gunshot and stab victims that were sure to show up later.

Jack rushed to the desk. My wife is Claire Davenport. She was brought in on a helicopter. Where is she?

The kindly black woman was wearing maroon scrubs. Her Grady I.D. said her name was Flo Williams. She looked over the reading glasses riding low on her nose, past Jack to see Sergeant Jeffries briskly walking toward them. I’m Jeffries with GSP. I brought his man in. Can you help us?

She was taken into Trauma 3 first. Then they took her directly to the O.R. Flo Williams came from behind her desk and put her hand on Jack’s shoulder. Come on, Mr. Davenport. I’ll take you up to the Surgical Suite. Let’s find out what’s going on.

Mr. Davenport? Sergeant Jeffries held out his business card to Jack. Feel free to contact me regarding anything about the accident. You can call the office number on the card there and they will tell you how to retrieve your Jeep. It will be safe until you are ready to get it.

Thank you so much, Sergeant. You’ve been a real help.

Nothing at all, Sir. And, Mr. Davenport? I sure hope she’s okay.

Jack choked a bit as he turned to follow Flo Williams to Surgery.

CHAPTER THREE

With Flo Williams in the lead, they crossed through an archway marked Surgery. The antiseptic smell that seems to make up the atmosphere of all hospitals passed through Jack’s nose and mouth as he raced behind Ms. Williams. Even the exam rooms of Claire’s office sometimes smelled that way. The surgical waiting area was situated off to the left of the main hall. Double doors to the right warned NO ADMITTANCE. A volunteer was seated at a desk in the waiting area gazing at the computer monitor in front of her.

Please tell me about Dr. Davenport, Jack said in a tone that sounded more demanding than he intended.

We don’t have a Dr. Davenport working here today, replied the 70ish lady holding the board. Her name tag read, Mrs. Jacoby.

No, ma’am, said Flo Williams. Claire Davenport is a patient who arrived within the last hour by helicopter.

Oh. Let me see. Yes, she’s the one. Well, they’ve really just gotten started. But they called in Dr. Richardson. He’s just arrived. If you’ll have a seat, I’ll see if I can find out more.

Would that be Henry Richardson? asked Jack.

Why yes, it is.

Do you know him, Mr. Davenport? asked Flo Williams.

I know him socially through Claire. He’s a neurosurgeon, Claire is a pediatrician. Hank was one of her classmates and has been a friend for years. They were medical students together at Duke, then they went off to their residencies. Just coincidence that they both ended up here in Atlanta.

Well Mrs. Jacoby will let the staff know you are here. I’m sure someone will come see you as soon as they can. I’ve got to get back to the E.R. I’m hoping for the best for you both, Mr. Davenport. With that, Flo Williams left and returned to face the onslaught sure to come on this Atlanta Saturday night and Mrs. Jacoby crossed the hall and into the operating suite.

Jack moved over away from Mrs. Jacoby’s desk. There was one other couple in the surgical waiting area watching CNN with no volume. On the opposite wall, the clock read 5:32. Jack took a seat, then felt the vibration of his cell phone in his pocket. Caller I.D. said, J. Stone. It was Jim.

Yeah, Jim.

Jack, where are you? Claire’s not here either. Is something wrong? We’re worried sick.

"I’m down at Grady, Jim. Claire’s been in