Murder on Clear Lake: Sandra Lerner Mystery

By George Barclay Jr.

Physician is murdered by sniper. Partner is arrested. Sandra Lerner takes case. NASA is blown up by terrorists. Case goes to trial and surprise ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 30, 2001
• ISBN: 9781469752808

George Barclay Jr.

Dr. Barclay is a retired cardiologist, who lives with wife Chloeteele on a farm near Woodville, Texas. Prior to thirty years of medical practice, he worked as oilfield roustabout, chemical engineer, and active duty soldier.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

3 A.M., March 12, 1991

Bayside Hospital and Clinic

Galveston County, Texas

Mother asleep, vitals stable, fetus in distress. You may start, Vijay.

Dr. Gupta incised the abdomen with one motion, freed the newborn, and spanked his rear. The startled child let out a cry and urinated all over the table.

A big boy, said Dr. Gupta, as he handed the baby to the nurse.

Vijay, you don’t need me any more. I’m going to the house.

Thanks for coming out, Noel.

Noel, called the scrub nurse. Call me.

Tomorrow. Dr. Abelman replied, never slowing as he headed for the door. His car was parked under a light twenty yards from the emergency entrance.

As he crossed in front of his car he jerked momentarily and gasped. Blood gushed from his nose and mouth. He fell forward jerking, and then stopped breathing.

Two hundred yards away a dark van started. Its headlights came on as it eased on the freeway and headed north on IH 45.

CHAPTER 2

COLUMBIA DELAYED NASA READY. Sandra sat back, and put down the paper. She turned her chair around and looked out the window. It was raining. Far below she saw traffic crawling along on South Main. The Astrodome was invisible, and the sun was hidden. Terrible, thought Sandra. In her thirty-seven years, she had never remembered it raining so much—almost every day for two months. The reservoirs were full and the rivers overflowing. She faced a four day holiday and nothing planned.

Telephone, Miss Lerner. A lawyer Bennett calling.

Thank you, Betty. Calling from where?

Galveston. Wants to talk to you about a murder case.

Put him on. Sandra picked up the phone. Sandra Lerner.

Miss Lerner, I’m Andrew Bennett, from Galveston. I’d like to discuss a case with you, and see if you would be interested in helping me out.

Try me, Mr. Bennett. Defending the unjustly accused is my specialty.

Well, my client’s out on a million dollar bail. No one thinks he’s innocent or unjustly accused, except maybe me, his lawyer. We start picking the jury on May twenty-eight. That’s the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

Sandra looked at her calendar. Mr. Bennett, that’s just three weeks away.

They didn’t set the trial date until today. My client’s in no big rush. His last murder trial took months.

What! Who is your client? Was it in the papers?

Does Dr. Joseph Cain ring a bell; it was in all the papers.

You mean THE DR. CAIN that’s supposed to have shot his partner with a deer rifle coming out of the Bayside Hospital about six weeks ago. I read about it. Paper said he was acquitted of shooting ANOTHER PARTNER coming out of the Blue Bird Clinic in Pasadena in 1972. SAME MAN!

"That’s him, Miss Lerner. The sheriff claims it’s the same gun. A 264 Winchester.

Any fingerprints?

Negative.

Then we have a chance.

Slim! He has an alibi.

Where was he at the time of the murder?

Checked in at the Western Plaza Hotel under an assumed name with one of the hospital nurses.

Does she verify it?

Yes, but she is happily married. Dr. Cain is a widower. The county law doesn’t believe her.

What name did he use?

Lindon Johnson.

Johnson is a common name. Did he make any phone calls from the room?

Yes! He called a Dr. Gupta at the hospital at 8 P.M., however the murder occurred at 3 A.M. The sheriff and district attorney are not satisfied with the alibi. It’s very sensitive. The nurse’s name has not been released to the papers, and her husband doesn’t know. He’s a computer engineer and space scientist at NASA.

How did Dr. Cain’s wife die?

Asphyxia. She smothered to death during intercourse. Dr. Cain is a big man. He brought her to the Emergency Room in an ambulance trying to resuscitate her. She was DOA. The Justice of Peace ruled it an accidental death.

When did that occur?

In 1988.

Trouble seems to follow your client, Mr. Bennett. A partner in 1972, his wife in 1988, and now a second partner in 1991. Any more partners left in that hospital?

Yes, Patricia Redmon, the widow of another former partner. She’s chief of nurses and runs the hospital.

You mean he’s lost three partners and a wife. Wow! Where was Mrs. Redmon the morning of the shooting?

She was working as scrub nurse in Obstetrics when the shooting occurred.

Mr. Bennett, may I call you Andy? This case really sounds complicated. You sure you want me as co-counsel. What’s your full name?

Andrew Jackson Bennett. I’m in solo general practice. It’s just me and my secretary.

That’s interesting. How did you get the case?

I’m legal advisor and tax accountant for the Bayside Hospital and Clinic. Dr. Cain called me when they arrested him.

Have you audited their books since the shooting?

Their 1990 financial statement and quarterly audit were all right. They have everything on computer.

Fantastic! Everything on computer? Patients’ records and everything?

Every station has a microprocessor. There’s very little paperwork, and it’s almost impossible to cheat.

Andy, do you mind if I hire a private detective? Can our client afford one?

Surely! Dr. Cain is tremendously wealthy. Spend all you want. Are you going to hire a Houston firm?

No Andy, I’ll use Tisha Lafemme out of Beaumont. She knows nothing about the case and will enter it with an uncluttered mind. I’ll get her working on it right away, and keep her through the trial.

Will you stay in Galveston or commute?

I can’t stand the traffic, Andy. I’ll come down there on Friday, May 24 and check into the Holiday Inn on Seawall Drive and spend the week. I’ll call you.

Sandra, the Legal Secretary’s Association is sponsoring a Las Vegas night on the Pride of Texas on Saturday. Everybody at the courthouse is invited. Would you like to join me?

What’s the Pride of Texas?

It’s a cruise ship that goes out in the Gulf. People gamble, dance and eat. Once on weekdays and twice on Saturdays.

Expensive?

It’s for the association. I have two tickets.

It’s a date. You want me to wear anything special.

It’s not real dress up. A cocktail dress would be appropriate. They’ll have alcoholic beverages and dance band for those inclined. It’s just a gambling casino on water to circumnavigate Texas’ strict gambling code. It really looks like The Love Boat on TV, except they want you to spend lots of money in a short time.

Sounds like fun. I hope it stops raining.

Think positively, Sandra. Think of it as a vacation to scenic old Galveston, the sun and fun capitol of Texas.

CHAPTER 3

Tisha Lafemme Private Detective Agency.

You answered on the first ring. How’s business?

Terrible, Miss Lerner. Between no-fault automobile insurance, no-fault divorces, prenuptial agreements, live-in boyfriends, and all this rain, I’m about to go broke. You got something for me?

I surely do, Tisha. Are you up to it? It’ll take some traveling.

You know me; I’d go around the world in a hot air balloon to get out of Beaumont. It’s done nothing but rain the last two months. What you got?

Bayside, sex and murder, about twenty miles south of Houston on IH 45. It’s about five miles south of NASA in north Galveston County. A Dr. Joseph Cain has been accused of fatally shooting his partner with a deer rifle at 3 A.M. on March twelve. We go to trial on May 28. Have you heard of it?

No! You know I don’t read the Houston papers, but I’ll take the case. I’m desperate for money. Could you send me a little advance for gas and expenses?

The check is in the mail, Tisha. Don’t spare the expense. Our client is rich. I have another request. Bring a bikini and fishing tackle.

Okay.

I want you to spend the week at Galveston with me during the trial. I’ll get a room with twin beds. All meals and expenses on me.

That sounds like a paid vacation. I’d never be able to afford it.

Well, I might as well tell you. Our client was acquitted of a similar murder in 1972, and there have been several other mysterious deaths associated with that hospital—namely a Dr. Redmon and Mrs. Cain, the accused’s former wife.

Sounds spooky! You think I ought to carry a side arm and my burglar’s keys?

A bikini and a fishing pole ought to be enough, Tisha. The murder was in Galveston County, but, remember, everything north of Clear Lake is Houston police. Be careful, I don’t want to have to get you out of jail.

Don’t worry. I even have a Texas’ fishing license.

Look, Tisha, I’ll check into the Holiday Inn on the seawall at 5 P.M. on the twenty fourth. You join me there, and we’ll go out to McDonald’s or somewhere, so you can fill me in on all the details.

Why McDonald’s?

Because, I have a rule. When I go to an unfamiliar town, I stay in the Holiday Inn and eat at McDonald’s.

Why?

I don’t like surprises, and nobody’s ever been poisoned at McDonald’s.

CHAPTER 4

Galveston, Texas

5 P.M., May 24, 1991.

Sandra turned right off 39th Street (M.L. King Blvd.) on to Seawall Drive bringing her in full view of the Gulf of Mexico, miles of seawall, and the Holiday Inn-Galveston. As she drove into the parking lot she saw Tisha clad in bikini standing by her car. She had a fishing pole in one hand and suitcase in the other. Sandra honked.

Tisha, you beat me here.

I rode the ferry from Bolivar, Miss Lerner. That was worth the trip.

Let’s get checked into our room. I want to call Andy Bennett, get into my Ester Williams’ one piece, and ride the sight-seeing trolley before the sun goes down. Tonight may be our only chance to see the historic sites.

I’m ready to report. I’ve spent the better part of the last two weeks in north Galveston County. Thank God the rains have stopped. I’ve been to every beauty boutique in Clear Lake, Seabrook, Kemah, and Bayside. I met half the real estate salesmen on both sides of Clear Lake. I even went through the Johnson Space Center, the Blue Bird Hospital in Pasadena, the Western Plaza Hotel and the Galleria shopping center in Houston. I guess there’s not anything in gossip and rumor that I missed. I didn’t bother any of the suspects or the law in Galveston County. Also, I didn’t hang around Galveston. I figured we could find the courthouse all right.

How about Martha’s Vineyard on Bayshore Drive?

I couldn’t get in. Didn’t have a membership. There’s only so far a gal in a bikini can go. Those condos on Bay Crest Drive are three hundred thousand and up.

Sandra walked up to the registration desk and handed the clerk her MasterCard. I am Sandra Lerner. I have reservation for two, twin beds, and Gulf-side exposure. I plan on being here for a week.

She smiled. Welcome to Galveston. Have a nice vacation. Express check out by phone. Outside calls, room service, pay TV, liquor cabinet, and meals are added. You may itemize your statement on departure, if you like.

Sandra smiled as she and Tisha turned and followed the bellhop up to room 806 overlooking Seawall Drive and the Gulf of Mexico. Tisha opened the glass door, and inhaled the damp salty breeze. The bellhop showed Sandra the bathroom light switches, the air conditioning control, and the pay TV. He turned back the spreads, graciously accepted a tip, and exited the room.

This is like dying and going to heaven. There is nothing as stimulating as letting the salty air from that ocean blow over your body. It tastes salty, smells fishy and feels sticky. Makes we want to shower.

You’re way ahead of me, replied Sandra, as she unpacked her suitcase. You unpack while I get into my bathing suit.

You know, Miss Lerner, there’s a young woman lying down there on a big towel with sunglasses on that’s practically nude. People are passing up and down the seawall, and she’s not paying them a bit of mind.

Sandra went over to the window and looked. Besides the usual fisherman on the piers and jetty, the near nude gal, and the afternoon strollers she noticed a tall grey haired man in a black jogging suit and white tennis shoes, who was running at a marathon pace and looking straight ahead. He had not looked down at the exposed bathing beauty. A late model green Cadillac was following at a slow speed some one hundred feet behind. The driver wore a western hat, and turned slowly on MLK Boulevard while watching the jogger disappear in the crowd of strollers and vehicles.

This is Galveston; they have nude bathing on the Riviera, said Sandra as she watched the jogger, who never slowed down.

Where ‘bouts in Louisiana is that? Tisha giggled.

It’s in France, Tisha, replied Sandra still curiously watching the jogger. The Cadillac completed its turn and was lost from view.

CHAPTER 5

I’m glad you didn’t want to ride in one of them horse carriages, Miss Lerner. The guide says this trolley goes five miles and has twenty-four stops.

"The trolley’s a lot cheaper. You can see the docks and all the old historical sites for just two bucks. There’s only two things cheaper—the ferry ride from Fort Bolivar and the walk down the seawall. There’s Post Office Street where they had the blue light district with all its old Victorian mansions and brothels.

"Galveston has a long and colorful history. Old downtown used to be rich. Now all the rich people have moved west of town along the sea wall and such.

Okay, Tisha, let’s hear all the gossip about the Bayside Clinic and Hospital.

Miss Lerner, I don’t know where to begin. There’s more impromptu mating, intrigue, and adult recreation going on up there than a noontime soap opera. The population is young and rich. I wonder why they put NASA on the north side of Clear Lake?

They needed it somewhere, and Lyndon Johnson helped John Kennedy win the 1960 presidential election.

Miss Lerner, I heard that Kennedy made a mistake sending those crazy Cubans to take the Bay of Pigs. He should have sent Lyndon to steal it.

That’s a Texas joke, Tisha. Lyndon Johnson was a very respected president.

Well, the Bayside Hospital and Clinic is right off the freeway in a huge shopping center surrounded by a middle class residential area. The easement up the freeway is right across no more than two hundred yards from the entrance. It would be an easy shot with a deer rifle. There’s no secret, Miss Lerner. Everybody at the hospital thinks Dr. Cain shot Dr. Abelman.

Go on, Tisha.

"Dr. Abelman was a general partner. He was a radiologist, and, in addition to his partnership share, billed for reading every x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and angiogram done in that hospital. He was one of the original partners at the Blue Bird Hospital in Pasadena, and lived in a big house on Bayshore Drive in Clear Lake. He owned a big boat, and belonged to the Nassau Yacht and Racquet Club. His wife died at

M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital last year, and in January he and Patsy Redmon announced their engagement. He gave her a big diamond ring. Everybody liked Dr. Abelman including Dr. Cain. It had to be jealousy or money."

Sounds reasonable. What about our client, Dr. Cain?

Dr. Cain was the principal organizer and idea man for both the Blue Bird and Bayside Hospitals. He bought two hundred acres of land at Bayside when he heard about NASA. He sold almost all that at a huge profit. It’s a success story everybody knows. He started out as a general practitioner, but limited to obstetrics and gynecology. When he was acquitted of Dr. Fry’s murder in Pasadena, he crossed the county line, and built the Bayside Hospital and Clinic. It was nothing but a pasture when he bought it, but look at it now. He’s tremendously wealthy, lives on Bay Crest Drive, and belongs to the Martha’s Vineyard Country Club. His wife died accidentally in 1988, and he is currently romancing Joy Appleton, an obstetrics nurse at the hospital.

How do you think Mrs. Appleton fits in?

Just sex! She’s about thirty and attractive. Her husband is an engineer at the Space Center, and they live in an upper middle class residential area in Clear Lake City.

What about Patsy Redmon?

You sure you can handle all this, Miss Lerner? It’s pretty fantastic—especially Patsy.

We are defending against murder, Tisha. Try me.

Well, Patsy Carrol started out at the Blue Bird Hospital in her early twenties as an obstetrical nurse. Her husband was a Charismatic preacher that had his own temple in Pasadena. The general partners were Doctors Cain, Abelman, Fry, and Redmon. Doctors Fry and Cain got into a fist fight over Patsy at a hospital Christmas party when they had too much to drink. She got a divorce from her preacher husband on the grounds of mental cruelty. He ended up in a state mental institution Ä manic-depressive psychosis. Dr. Redmon’s wife walked into the Blue Bird Hospital one night with a flashbulb camera, and surprised them romancing on the operating room table. She sued for divorce on the grounds of adultery, and showed the pictures at the trial. Those were the days before they had no-fault divorce. Well, Patsy married Dr. Redmon while Dr. Cain was waiting trial for shooting Dr. Fry. They sold Blue Bird and built the Bayside Clinic in 1974. In 1980, Dr. Redmon was found dead floating face down in his swimming pool. That made Patsy part owner of the Bayside Hospital and Clinic. She’s the chief nurse and runs the place.

What’s she like?

Absolute living doll; natural redhead, friendly, and smart.

Where does Patsy live?

Kemah. Has a live-in boyfriend.

The boyfriend?

Shrimp boat captain, and charters fishing parties. Big handsome man, probably about forty, drinks beer. Name is Milton James.

Did you see the lawmen in Kemah?

Two patrolmen, and a Constable that runs errands for the Justice of Peace.

What’s the Constable’s name?

Joe Crimm! He’s a beer drinking fishing buddy of Patsy’s boyfriend, Milton James. I didn’t question any of the Galveston County law. I figured you’d do that in court.

How far is it from Kemah to Bay Crest Drive on Clear Lake?

Just a few minutes by either boat or car. I’d guess about five miles.

How far is it from Bay Crest Drive to Clear Lake City?

About the same, only Clear Lake City is north toward Houston.

Then we are not talking about long distances at all.

It takes about twenty minutes to drive from Joy’s house in Clear Lake City to the Galleria and the Western Plaza Hotel.

How long from the Galleria to the Bayside Hospital by taking the loop and IH 45?

About twenty minutes plus five, if the weather is good.

Then it’s possible Dr. Cain could have slipped out of bed, shot Dr. Abelman, and crawled back in bed without Joy waking up or knowing about it.

It sure is. Especially if she had a couple of nightcaps. She probably slept until he woke her up in the morning.

That’s only one reason the sheriff and district attorney won’t buy her story. She could be lying.

His alibi is suspect.

Tomorrow Andy will take me to the clinic and then on a cruise, so we probably won’t be in until late. Why don’t you fish at Kemah, but stick to the docks. Remember, if Dr. Cain is innocent, there is a trigger happy nut running around.

I have a detective license, Miss Lerner.

It won’t help you, if you are dead.

By the way, I keep seeing an elderly man—probably just prematurely grey, jogging all over. I inquired and learned that he is a preacher from Pasadena, pretty famous, a Reverend Carrol. Does that ring a bell?

That could be Patsy Carrol’s first husband. Interesting! I saw him yesterday running on the seawall. Pasadena is a long way from Galveston. Maybe I ought to see him. Does he wear a black jogging suit and white shoes?

Reebok’s. That’s him all right. He’s probably younger than he looks. There’s something about marathon running that ages a person.

CHAPTER 6

Sandra in shorts and blouse and Tisha in swimwear were having breakfast when Andy Bennett entered the coffee shop. Sandra guessed who he was. He looked forty, six foot, trim, sandy hair, well trimmed mustache, and was dressed in white oxfords, blue slacks, and dark blue Hawaiian shirt. Sandra rose and called: Mr. Bennett.

Miss Lerner, I’m happy you came. May I join you?

Please do, Andrew. I want you to meet Tisha Lafemme, our private investigator.

Delighted, Tisha. You’ve got freckles, but you’re pretty! They shook hands, and he sat by Tisha to face Sandra.

What’s on the program today, Andy?

I have a briefcase in the car with a copies of the investigating officer’s reports, autopsy report, and death certificate. Ballistics matched up, the rifle was wiped clean, and they have no other suspects.

How about tire prints?

No help! It had been raining a lot and too many tire prints.

Anybody see the vehicle?

No. His body was not discovered for a few minutes after he was shot. He walked out of the clinic at 3 A.M., and a patron discovered his body at 3:15 A.M. The workers inside the Emergency Room did not hear the shot.

A customer found him?

That’s right, Sandra.

How about Joy Appleton?

She’s our one hope for a substantiated alibi, and she’s sticking to her story. Her husband is busy at the space center, on standby in the Mission Control Room.

The Sheriff didn’t release her name.

"That’s right. They think she’s lying to cover Dr. Cain. Tisha started to interrupt, but Sandra gently nudged her.

Who would know at the hospital besides Dr. Cain?

"Patsy Redmon makes out the nurses’ work schedule. We’ll see Patsy this morning at the hospital. Dr. Cain is off, so we’ll visit him at home. He’s restricted to Galveston and Harris Counties.

Tisha has her work, and I’m ready. Which car is yours?

The SAAB. My pet bulldog is along. I hope you don’t mind.

It’s too hot to leave him in the car, Andy. What’s his name?

Babette! She’s a Boston Terrier. They have an air conditioned dog nursery at the hospital. They charge, but it’s nice.

What do you do with her when you go to work? Leave her with the housekeeper?

I leave her in a day nursery.

Galveston must have animal nurseries?

Surely! People bring their pets with them on vacation.

How long have you been working at Bayside?

Since 1984, seven years.

Do you know Patsy well?

Pretty well. I like to think we are close friends.

Tell me about her former husbands.

She divorced Reverend Carrol, her first, years ago. He owns a Temple in Pasadena. Her other husband was Dr. John Redmon, who drowned in his swimming pool. That happened before I came to work here. I think it was either accidental drowning or suicide. No evidence of foul play. She was newly engaged to Dr. Ableman at the time of his death. However, she’s had difficulty evicting her live-in male companion, and they may resort to litigation.

Sandra chuckled. I once knew a lady who resorted to marrying her boyfriend, out of desperation, so she could get a divorce, eviction, and restraining order on him because he wouldn’t move out. She also had a prospective husband waiting in the wings. Unfortunately, the boyfriend shot him, and it ended up a legal mess.

How did it turn out?

The boyfriend went to jail, and she married his attorney, after he divorced his wife.

Wow!

CHAPTER 7

BAYSIDE EXIT ONE MILE. Andy slowed down. Sandra saw a sprawling community up ahead. A hospital sign pointed east. There was a tall sign: QUICK.DOC. Andy pulled off the access road. As he drove in front of the hospital Sandra noticed an easement running back up to the freeway. She shuddered. That’s where the killer waited and fired the fatal shot. He could have done it easily at that range with the victim standing under a light. It was a sure thing. Somebody planned a perfect crime. Dr. Cain was either crazy or framed.

Bayside was an impressive hospital: Three floors and about fifty by seventy-five yards. She followed Andy through the double doors, through an emergency waiting room, and up to a reception desk where a young lady smiled and pointed to a sign: CASH ONLY.

We’re here to see Ms. Patsy Redmon.

She pushed a button, and the paging light began to flash. Two minutes later Patsy Redmon walked out of the elevator. Patsy had flaming red hair, blue eyes, perfect cheeks, glistening teeth, and no wrinkles. She wore a light weight ‘poly-cotton’ uniform that allowed faint visualization of perfect breasts and flesh colored bikini panties. Her uniform was complete with white heels and name tag that read PAT REDMON, R.N. Andy Bennett and Sandra Lerner. Welcome to Bayside Clinic and Hospital. I am Patsy Redmon at your service.

Patsy kissed Andy on the cheek, and shook hands with Sandra. Her smile was contagious.

Ms. Redmon, may we ask you some questions?

I was questioned by the sheriff. So was Dr. Gupta. We told them everything we knew.

Thank you, Ms. Redmon. We have access to their reports, but we’d still like to hear it in detail, time permits.

They didn’t say I couldn’t tell, Sandra. Why don’t you call me Pat, and I’ll make you a proposition you can’t afford to refuse.

Okay, what’s your proposal?

"Come by my beach home tomorrow, Bayshore Drive in Kemah, 2

P.M. My boyfriend’s having a couple of his friends over. So you and

Andy must join us for drinks, snacks, and swim if you like."

We’ll need to remain sober for the lawyer questions.

Let me walk you through the hospital. I’m proud of our building and work, and I want to show it off. It’s all privately owned and paid for, thank goodness.

Who takes the most credit, Pat? asked Andy, smiling proudly.

Joe Cain, Andy, our expert tax lawyer, and I, in that order. It was Joe Cain’s vision that made it happen, and I supply the energy and know how to keep us going. Everybody, including the Joint Commission and insurance companies, just love us. We can attract and keep good help, and because of our quick service and turnover our gross is higher, and our expenses are less than other hospitals. We hardly ever get a complaint, and we’ve never been sued.

What’s the real secret? asked Sandra. Cash only?

Location and demographics! Our patients are relatively young and affluent. They want quick service and short stays. We limit our fields to emergency care, obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology, and plastic surgery. We refer anything that looks real sick or complicated to the nearby medical centers. We strive to attract the short stay, high return, patient. Let me walk you through, and I’ll explain.

CHAPTER 8

"Our first floor houses the Emergency Department, Radiology, and Obstetrics. We use a contract emergency room physician’s service out of Houston. They are given temporary staff privileges and rotate according to their own schedules. They assist our permanent staff on request, and are available for in-hospital emergencies, if needed. They endorse quick service, quality care, high turnover, and provide a continuous source of referral for our permanent medical staff.

"Radiology has the usual x-ray equipment on the first floor. CT scanning, ultrasound, and diagnostic angiography are located on the second floor. We share a mobile MRI unit with a hospital in Clear Lake. We have a temporary replacement for Dr. Abelman, and are negotiating with a highly trained Canadian Radiologist to take Dr. Abelman’s place.

"Obstetrics is our pride and joy. We have two delivery rooms, six labor rooms, and a newborn ICU on the first floor. Each of our delivery rooms can be converted instantly into an emergency operating