Hospice Hitwoman and the C.Y.A.: Part 2

(This is the second part of a two-part Adventure. To access the first part of the story, please click here.)

This has gone beyond the pale. I take a look at Mrs. C. and Marcy. They look almost frozen in time; mouths slightly open, eyes unblinking. I can't tell if they're in shock over Bob's outburst or anxiously awaiting my answer:

"Bob, I'm not killing anyone for you. I'm not a murderer."

I can't help it. I'm taking this personally and it's pissing me off. What in the name of God makes him think that I'm capable of murder?

Is it because I look like this?

Bob's demeanor changes instantly... His anger and desperation have crumbled into nervous back-peddling. He's said far too much and he knows it:

"Oh God, no really. I didn't mean that... it's just that we're... we can't..."

Oh God, I think I really want to leave this house right now..."Okay, let's just put an end to this subject", I say. "You know that Raymond's time is coming very soon and that I've told you that he appears to be comfortable. Please just try to stay as calm as possible for Ray and just give me a call if he passes on."

Returning to the quiet of my car, I decide to call my supervisor and "cover my ass". I tell Kathy as much as I can remember about this disturbing visit and then head for home. I don't get very far at all. Less than twenty minutes has passed before the answering service tells me that Mr. C. has died. I turn the car around and head back. Crap...

It's like a different house. The place is buzzing with friends and neighbors and the grieving family is happily soaking up all the attention. This is good. I'm able to keep the family informed and then fade into the background. After the funeral home leaves, I say goodbye to Mrs. C., update my supervisor and continue with the rest of my shift.

The next day...

I get report before the start of shift from my supervisor. Just before I hang up the phone, Kathy says, "Oh, by the way, there was a complaint from Mr. C's family today."

"Really? What was wrong?"

"They said that a hospice nurse never showed up at the house when they called last night", answers Kathy with a little chuckle.

Wow, wow, wow... See? It does pay to CYA.