The Rise of Rachel Price T-Girl Pt. 31

Rachel walked alongside Levant on the tour of the Douglas Levant Memorial Hospital he had just opened. They were doing it for the cameras and to raise his profile with the voters of California. The hospital was already in use, with patients occupying the wards. The place had a feel reminiscent of one of Levant's hotels--sleek and well-designed, albeit with peculiar touches aimed at providing reassurance. Even his hospital had to maintain an illusion of being something other than what it truly was. The surfaces were designed for easy cleaning, and the air carried a distinct scent of potent disinfectant mixed with perfume.

Rachel was dressed in a knee-length dress, somber in its appearance, carefully chosen by her personal presentation consultant, Viviane, along with Devlin. The fashion magazines had taken notice of Rachel's preference for skirts and dresses, and they adored her for it. She had been credited with popularizing nitro coffee in the state, thanks to her early Instagram posts, and now it had become a trend. She was now regarded as a style leader, with people eager to know what she wore.

Viviane demanded more clothes, leading to more fittings and more time spent with Samantha. Following Rachel's advice, and under the guise of corporate espionage, Samantha had her workshop regularly scanned so they could have private time together, which they used to great effect. Samantha was like Levant and preferred the prosthesis on, but having any time with her kept Rachel sane.

Amidst a palpable buzz of anticipation, Levant, accompanied by Rachel, embarked on a press tour of the newly opened hospital. The vast foyer welcomed them with its high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the polished marble floors. The air carried a faint scent of freshly cut flowers, carefully arranged in ornate vases strategically placed throughout the space. The hushed whispers of eager journalists filled the air, as the reporters, representing various press outlets under Levant's control or influence, eagerly awaited their chance to capture every moment of the tour.

As Levant and Rachel navigated through the hospital's corridors, the walls enveloped them in a soothing color palette of serene blues and soft neutrals. Large windows adorned with delicate draperies allowed natural light to filter in, creating a serene ambiance that effortlessly blended with the air of professionalism. The subtle hum of efficient air conditioning systems and the occasional soft footsteps of hospital staff added to the sense of purpose that permeated the environment.

Cameras, like vigilant sentinels, diligently followed their every move, capturing the essence of the tour. The photographers and videographers, aiming to immortalize this momentous occasion, adjusted their lenses and angles with meticulous precision. The clicking of shutters echoed through the halls, intermingling with the gentle hum of conversation and the occasional rustle of paper as reporters scribbled notes, ensuring no detail was overlooked.

Levant, ever the consummate showman, exuded an air of confidence and charisma as he led the way. His commanding presence, emphasized by his tailored suit and polished demeanor, held the attention of the press corps. Rachel, by his side, radiated grace and poise, her every movement captivating the lens of each camera that trailed her path.

The tour meandered through specialized units, each meticulously designed and equipped to cater to the unique needs of patients. State-of-the-art medical equipment stood as a testament to Levant's commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation. The soft hum of life-saving machines and the gentle beeping of monitors added a symphony of reassurance, reaffirming the hospital's capability to provide exceptional care.

The press tour of Levant and Rachel in the new hospital unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance, seamlessly blending grandeur and functionality.

"This," said the hospital director, Michael Chen, to Levant outside something in the research wing, "is one of our newest developments. It is the first living organ bank in America. It can be gruesome, perhaps your friend might want to stand outside."

"I'm sure Douglas will be fine," Rachel said loudly, recognizing that the comment had been aimed at her. Some of the nurses and medical staff in the background giggled. A nurse handed out surgical masks.

"Everything is sterile. Please don't touch anything," doctor Chen said as they entered through a doorway marked 'staff only'. Inside, there were a couple more people in blue scrubs pretending to work.

Inside the experimental organ bank, an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before their eyes. The room hummed with the symphony of complex machinery, their mechanical rhythms intertwining to create a symphony of life-saving potential. Rows upon rows of large, transparent jars stood proudly on sleek metallic shelves, their contents concealed within a red-hued liquid. Soft, diffused lighting illuminated the room, casting an otherworldly glow upon the jars, emphasizing their significance. Dark shadows danced within each jar, hinting at the intricate, pulsating organs that floated within, suspended in a delicate balance between life and preservation.

The machines surrounding the jars resembled futuristic works of art, their gleaming surfaces adorned with countless buttons, switches, and monitors. Wires and tubes snaked their way through the intricate network of equipment, connecting the organs to the life-sustaining apparatus. Soft beeps and gentle whirrs filled the air, harmonizing with the occasional hushed whispers of monitoring systems. The room exuded an air of both scientific precision and reverence, as if each jar contained a precious treasure, a second chance at life for those in need.

"Previously," the doctor explained, "organs had to be chilled and used within twenty-four hours of death. With this new facility, donated organs can be kept alive for months, even years if necessary. Previously, if no donor was immediately ready, then the organ would be wasted. This unique facility will save many lives."

They approached a beating heart, delicately suspended in a jar of clear liquid. The rhythmic pulsations of the heart were visible, connected to a network of tubes that emerged from the jar and seamlessly merged into the intricate hardware adjacent to them. Doctor Chen, a middle-aged man with a significant overbite and eyes marked by crow's feet, stood alongside them.

"How long can they survive?" Rachel inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"It depends upon the organ," Dr. Chen responded to Rachel. "Livers and kidneys can last almost indefinitely. Hearts, on the other hand, can be sustained for months. We are currently experimenting with artificial exercise techniques to maintain the heart's condition."

"Amazing," Rachel exclaimed, captivated by the groundbreaking advancements.

"Here we have a heart and lung combination. Utilizing new stem cell techniques we are developing, we can implant organs into recipients and even reconnect nerves, which was previously deemed impossible. All thanks to your husband's generous donation," the doctor explained.

Rachel glanced at him and clarified, "He's not my husband," causing the doctor Chen to appear somewhat embarrassed.

"I just sneaked into the group when we arrived. I'm a gate crasher--some people crash weddings, I crash tours of medical facilities. It's my thing. I have a profound fascination with medical technology," Rachel revealed, making her way to a computer in the corner, which had cables connecting it to each machine.

"I mean, this whole system is running on an outdated HP-PC," she remarked. "I suppose it allows you to monitor all the organs from here. Does it send alerts when vital signs drop below certain values?"

"No," the doctor responded, visibly surprised. "But that's a good idea. Everything is still quite experimental at the moment."

Levant quickly inspected the jars and nodded. Dr Chen had been keen to show the facility given that Levant himself had promoted the research. The place was a huge investment, it had a helicopter pad on the top floor. They had even bought out Dr Grant's medical group and moved them there.

"I think we have to go," Levant said. "Thank you, there is so much to see."

Rachel had interrupted valuable game time to be here, and walking around pretending to be important got boring pretty quickly.

They walked into the next chamber, the next ward located a few floors away, and it felt relatively normal. All the patients in this ward had their own bedrooms.

"How much longer?" Rachel asked Levant quietly.

"Actually, I think you are going to like this one," Levant said, promisingly.

As her gaze fell upon the figure lying in the bed, Rachel's heart skipped a beat. It was her grandpa, the man she had known and loved for as long as she could remember. His face, lined with the wisdom of years, now radiated a remarkable vitality. His features, etched with stories and memories, held a hint of mischievousness that had always endeared him to her.

Rachel had seen pictures of him that her mother had sent, but those static images couldn't capture the liveliness that now emanated from him. He appeared remarkably well, the lines of age gracefully framing his gentle smile. The room seemed to come alive in his presence, as if his spirit infused every corner with a sense of familiarity and warmth.

"Hi, you're the bigwig they said was coming down today?" Grandpa spoke with a low and deliciously familiar voice. It was evident from his response that he didn't recognize his own grandson; his eyes had never been fantastic anyway.

"No, the bigwigs are outside. I just hang around with them," Rachel replied. "So you're...?"

Grandpa didn't try to move, having a couple of needles in his upper arm, which dropped into some kind of drip.

"Henry Shores," Grandpa said.

"Hi," Rachel began, feeling more confident that she hadn't been spotted. "I'm Rachel Price. I think I might know your son, Denver?"

Grandpa's face twitched as he looked at her warmly. "You know Denver? How?"

Rachel waved her hand dismissively. "It's a long story. He was very good to me when I first arrived in the city. He looked after my phone for a bit. Have you heard from him? How is he?"

Grandpa's face slowly lifted up. "He's doing great. He's currently away at seminary."

"Right," Rachel said, feigning enthusiasm. "That sounds wonderful, so soon he'll be Father Shores."

"I do hope not," Grandpa said.

Rachel sat down on the bed. "Really? Tell me more."

"He's my only grandson. I know I really haven't got long in this world. That's okay. My son, my grandson, they've done a great job of making sure I'm not in pain. I can truly enjoy my days."

"I'm sure you can live out a long time," Rachel said, offering a hopeful reassurance.

Grandpa moved forward a little. "To a man of my age, it's important to know that you can go, knowing you've left something behind. It's kind of reassuring, knowing you're going, but there is someone with something of your face out there. I wouldn't want him to be the end of the line. Sorry, this is old man's talk."

Rachel smiled. "No, no, it's fine. Keep going." Being here with him again, there was a tremendous warmth that enveloped her. She could smell him, feel him, touch him, and bask in the glow of his skin, his warmth, and his voice. Denver had spoken to him on the phone several times, but physically seeing him here made it all feel so much more real. It was a pity there was no way to actually go and see his mother.

"Yeah, it will be really good to see him again," Grandpa said. "I speak to him all the time on the phone, but it's not the same, is it?"

Rachel could feel a tear welling up in her eye. "No, no, it's not... So, what are you in for today?"

Grandpa shrugged his shoulders, his wire frame barely visible under the pajamas he had on. "Oh, this? This is just for a check-up. My daughter, she's the one really getting all the attention. They're taking good care of her as well."

Rachel looked around. "Denver's mother? Is she okay?"

Rachel noticed the sunlight streaming in, almost reaching Grandpa's face, so she got up and gently pulled the curtains slightly, worried that a nurse might come along to do the same job.

"You know she's undergoing chemo, right?" Grandpa added.

Rachel returned to the bed. "No," she lied. "Is it serious?"

Grandpa blew some air out of his lips. "Well, she's been pretty ill recently, but she is currently in remission. A few more months, and we should know if she's got the all-clear."

Rachel couldn't resist tucking Grandpa in slightly, straightening the sheets.

"That's such good news."

"Yeah, she's back in our house," Grandpa smiled.

Rachel nervously pulled at a lock of her hair. "house, really?"

"You know, I have all this, but I would give it up to be with Denver again."

"I'm sure Denver thinks the same," Rachel said.

The door opened, and Lucy walked in. "Sorry, Miss Price. We need to move on and let the people get back to their work."

"Yes, absolutely. I'll just be a second," Rachel said, suddenly panicked that she had been found out.

The door closed, and they were left alone again for a few more seconds.

"It's been really nice meeting you," Rachel said. "So good that the hospital is helping real people."

Grandpa nodded his head. "Nice meeting you too."

Rachel shook hands with her grandfather. Despite his apparent health, his fingers lacked the strength she remembered.

"Give my best to Denver and say hello to his mother for me," Rachel said, getting up to go.

"I was happy to see a beautiful woman in my room," Grandpa said.

Rachel reached the door and turned around "Oh, and how was that dog?"

"Butcher?" Grandpa confirmed.

"Yes, Butcher."

"He's lost without Denver. Did you know when it rains, dogs can't smell their territory on the fire hydrants? They get all lost and angry not knowing who owns what. That's Butcher, now he's a real rain dog," Grandpa explained.

Rachel nodded. "Poor him. Good to meet you, Mr. Shore," she said, walking out, trying not to cry.

Rachel rejoined Levant, who had been speaking to some other patients. She had a genuine smile and a spring in her step. She grabbed Levant's arm.

"Remind me to do something special for you tonight," she said, smiling.

They walked down a flight of stairs into another ward, which was noticeably quieter than the previous one.

"This is the coma section," the director explained. "We provide a range of specialist treatments to a number of long-term patients. Using the latest technology, they can be under 24-hour surveillance with a minimal number of expensive medical personnel."

Technically, each patient had their own room, they were small and functional. Easy for a single nurse to observe. Some rooms were decorated with pictures and photos, while others played music or recorded voices of loved ones. They walked past a room which was naked.

Rachel noticed the name "Nathan Hunter" on one of the doors. Her heart stopped frozen in time like a photograph of a world class car crash,.

"Who is this?" she asked.

The director Chen looked at the nameplate. "Yeah, that's... Nathan Hunter. He's been here for five days."

With each passing moment, Rachel's dread intensified, and a sense of helplessness settled in. Her first thought was the number of Nathan Hunters in the Bay, this couldn't be him. He was in prison. She yearned for answers, desperate to understand the cause of Nathan's condition and the potential for his recovery. The weight of the situation bore down on her, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

"Why don't we go in and have a look?" Levant said.

Rachel found herself overwhelmed by a mix of emotions: sadness, worry, and a profound sense of loss. The uncertainty of the situation loomed over her, casting a shadow on her thoughts and actions. She longed for positive news, a glimmer of hope that would alleviate her fears and bring Nathan back to her. She had to be sure desperately hoping she he was another Nathan Hunter not hers.

The director thought for a second. "Sure," he said, opening the door.

They walked in to see Hunter lying on the bed, resembling a fresh corpse.

Rachel gazed at Hunter's face, which lacked any sign of emotion. There were visible injuries to his face and head, with patches of missing hair and stitches holding them together. She felt like a glass window just after it's been hit by a stone. Her mind and heart were cracked and she felt the slightest gust would break her into emotional dust on the floor.

The doctor continued, providing more information. "I remember, he was in jail in Qatar. As far as I understand, he wasn't treated well there. According to the notes, he attempted to escape just days before his trial. During the escape, he suffered a severe head injury. They put him into a medically induced coma to allow his body and brain time to recover. It's been months now. His medical expenses are being covered by a prince there. I think the prince feels guilty about it. He even arranged for that mans return at his own expense. Its more than he deserves. Rumour was he was caught with a young boy. Still he's a patient and he gets the same care as everyone else."

Rachel could hardly breath, she had to pretend to be unconcerned remote and the exact opposite of everything she was feeling.

"Can he breath without the machines?" Levant asked, looking at the devices he was plugged into.

The doctor hummed for a second. "Not really, not at the moment."

Rachel looked over at Levant, realizing what he was hinting at. This was worse than looking at a caged Lion. Levant had taken his life away, Hunter was trapped in an endless soul-less voiceless night of Douglas's making.

"Modern American medical technology is so wonderful," Levant said, looking around.

"Will he recover?" Rachel asked. Trying not to sound to desperate and fighting back tears with every sullen syllable,

The fact that the director didn't immediately respond spoke volumes. "This is the long-term ward, but you know, miracles do happen."

"Modern research is constantly advancing," Levant added.

"Does his family visit?" Rachel asked.

The doctor walked up and picked up a digital pad with notes. "Well, not when I'm around. I don't think he has much of a family. Yeah, the next of kin are in Idaho. Given the sexual deviance, I can understand why they don't come."

"I've seen enough," Rachel said. "It's so nice to see what a philanthropist Douglas is. You know, practically involved with real people."

"Thanks," Levant said, acknowledging Rachel's words. "I can't take all the credit. We all contribute. Everyone does their part to make something like this happen."

He paused. "I think we have seen enough and used up far to much of your valuable time." Levant said. "I'd like to thank you and all the staff at the hospital for doing such a great job looking after every patient."

"Yes" said Rachel realising what a Levant was saying. "yes anything I can do to help you in any way don't hesitate to contact me," Rachel said.

As they walked out, Rachel moved closer to Levant.

"You should have stopped while you were ahead," she warned.

As they left, Levant spoke quietly to Rachel. "That wasn't me," he said. "The prince is a man used to doing things his own way. I told him no. It's unfortunate that the poor guy fell like he did. I thought getting him back to the US, under our care, was the best way to ensure nothing worse happens to him."

"You'll let him go?" Rachel said.

Levant shrugged and moved closer to Rachel. "When he recovers, sure. I mean, what has the poor guy done except sleep with my woman? He doesn't know anything. The prince totally overreacted. I told him that."