10 “We are efficient with our payment models,” Loraine said. “It’s all about understanding the government codes.” “Artemis, you have to understand, we have developed a unique platform that truly combs through the data to enhance our value-based scoring,” Gene said. His eyes appeared as if he’d self-congratulated himself. “It’s our company edict, we provide quality patient centric care, at the right place, at the right time. But, we have to get paid for our efforts.” “I understand, but Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 9
9 “My momma’s dead-“ “No, Laina, you don’t know that,” Artemis said. Laina curiously stared at Artemis. She was scrunched under the bed sheets, her head pushed into a pillow, her tangled hair shrouded her eyes. “Let’s hope for the best, stay positive.” Laina shook her head with certainty. She was sniffy. “The nurses say their keeping her alive for a few more days,” Laina said. “I heard them talking.” Artemis sat down on the cushioned chair near the hotel room windows. Curious Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 8
8 Artemis sat across from Laina behind a table at a all night diner that had only recently banned smoking. She had draped Laina with her winter coat. Laina would not look at the menu, she sat back and looked around the busy restaurant. She watched other nearby restaurant guests eating and drinking. “You can have anything on the menu,” Artemis said. “I’ve got this, don’t worry.” Laina looked down at the menu, but she appeared lost. She squinted her eyes. Artemis realized Laina could Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 7
7 “Can I help you?” “Yes,” Artemis said. She strode up to the hospitals information counter. An older lady sat behind and smiled up at Artemis. “I need a visitors pass, I work with the risk management department, they said I should come over here for a pass, you know, log me in?” The lady shook her head in agreement, she reached forward. “Honey, I need to see you driver’s license-“ Artemis handed it forward, and she turned to look around the busy lobby searching for a child Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 6
6 Artemis discovered an address for Laina Lynn’s mother, Ruth Lynn. It was not difficult to determine after a basic internet search. She drove her rental truck into the dense Appalachian forest along narrow, winding blacktopped roads. She dodged several hulking coal trucks, drove past the shaved mountain sides, and then proceeded to got lost in the wilderness. As Artemis drove along, she found a local gas station next to a single story grocery store. She parked her truck in front of the Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 5
5 “You likely think I’m some hayseed lawyer-” “No, I know you’re well educated, I know your background,” Artemis said. She sat across from the plaintiff lawyer, Jerome Jenkins. His law office was within easy walking distance from the hospitals front doors. It had taken Artemis’ assistant several days to set up the meeting. “Friends call you, J Square? You’re a busy man.” “Yeah, it’s my nickname, grew up here, high school basketball star, helped get me educated,” Jerome said. He was tall, Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 3
3 Artemis hooked the laminated Do Not Disturb sign on her hotel room’s front door knob. Still fully clothed, she flopped backwards onto the queen sized bed, she rolled the comforter around her into a warm cocoon, and then tried to sleep. But her dreams were invaded by Satan, and by her memories of Benjamin. And the moment he died in her arms as lethal bullets rained past like a metallic sandstorm. She wrestled with the specters in her mind until almost dawn. She got up. She took a hot Continue Reading
Amanita – Chapter 2
Below is Chapter 2 for - Amanita. This is when the main character, Artemis Lamb, gets to meet her earthly minder. … I’ll be curious as to the reaction, let me know? # Amanita Chapter 2 (remember, unedited… ) Artemis stared out her hotel room’s smoked glass window located within downtown Selene, Kentucky. She searched below for any wandering spirits. The dark city streets were still, and calm. It appeared like any normal American town washed in pale light from a line of faux antiqued Continue Reading
Amanita – my current novel
Below is the unedited, Chapter 1... Amanita. The basic themes come from my medical malpractice insurance experiences, population health, and as typical with me, the supernatural world. The main character is named, Artemis Lamb. She’s a rather feisty redhead sent out to investigate a claim on behalf of her medical malpractice reinsurance carrier at a suspicious hospital in the small Kentucky town known as, Selene. Below are the first 10 pages ... let me know Continue Reading