met the on-duty hospital security guard at a service entrance. He silver metallic nameplate had “James Collins” stamped in black. M.J. made terse introductions, including that she and James had been high school classmates. The husky man led them down a hall to one of the elevators used only by doctors and other employees. LaShaun felt flutters in her belly at the cloak and dagger routine, but M.J. had insisted. Not only did M.J. aim to thwart the small town grapevine, she didn’t want the reality show team to appear with their video cameras rolling. The security guard led them down a brightly lit empty hallway to an elevator used by staff only. Bland white tile floors and gray walls gave the place a sterile look. LaShaun pulled the denim jacket she wore closer to her body. “It’s freezing in here, colder than outside,” she said. “Keeping the temperature cool reduces bacteria growth, and keeps viruses from spreading. Something very important with a lot of sick people,” the security guard replied.
