Fatima Works at Carol's nursing home!

Fatima loved being a physician and providing medical assistance to any one in her community weather they could pay or not. From time to time, she would visit several nursing homes in the local area, who was short of doctors, who could provide medical aid to the residents who needed it the most.

Fatima grew up taking care of the elderly ever since she was a kid. In fact that was her way of making money to keep herself with the necessities that her parents couldn't afford to buy or necessarily didn't want her to have.

She would cook or clean house for those who could not cook and clean for themselves.

Or, she would shampoo their hair and grease their scalps which gave her the opportunity to learn how to French braid and cornrow all types of hair textures.

It was an early Sunday morning when Fatima got the call from her dear and oldest friend Carol.

Carol and Fatima became acquainted when they spent several months together during their externship at the Veterans Hospital when Fatima was finish school to become a LVN.

Carol needed a physician to fill in for the regular physician, who had to take a leave of absence of a maternity leave.

"Fatima, it has been too long, my dear, how have you been?" Asked Carol

"I have been doing well Carol." "I agree with you sister." "It has been way too long." "We must do lunch and catch up very soon." Fatima replied

"How is it going at Community General?" "Still working long hours for short pay?" Asked Carol

"Of cours I am." "You know I didn't become a doctor for the money."

"I love the satisfaction of helping those who cant afford luxury like medical insurance, in order to receive adequate and affordable medical care." Replied Fatima

"Same old Fatima." "Always there for her community, when in need." "Never change sister." "You will die with that beautiful soul."

"I have a one time opportunity for you, to make 60,000.00 for a period of three months , while working in my nursing home as a physician for the residents of my nursing home."

"That's 20, 000, cash, per month, plus room and board." "You can stay in my guest home which is fully equipped with everything you would need away from home.

Fatima quickly accepted her friends offer to make 60,000.00 to fill in for an absent physician.

Not to mention, sixty thousand dollars for doing something that she loved doing, didn't seem like a bad deal, at all.

Fatima had lots of vacation time saved up so she put in a request to take time off from her job as a physician, for the next three months and away from the drama and gossip at Community General.

Fatima confirmed her travel plans and began to prepare for a long over due semi-vacation.

Fatima put in a call to the post office to have her mail, put on a temporary hold, as well as to hold all packages that may arrive during her time away from home.

Fatima lived in a community that consisted of different types of people from all walks of life. Fatima community, loved her the same way she loved her community.

Fatima was particular about her home and her personal and private space but who would take care of her plants and her Miniature Pomeranian Mimi.

Fatima hired Taj a college student who was studying to become a veterinarian, to help provide care for Mimi, on the days she had to work late. Taj would be a perfect candidate to water her plants as well as dog sitting for the next three months.

"Taj, I will be going away for the next three months." "I was wondering if you would like to make some extra money by not only taing care of Mimi, but watering my plants as well as keeping an eye on my condominium, while im gone for the next three months." asked Fatima

"I would love to make some extra moneyc, thank you for considering me for the opportunity"

"3 months is a long time to be away from your job at community general" "Where are you going Fatima" asked Taj

"Im going to help out an old friend. who is in need of some professional assistance at her nursing home."

"I will back before you know it Taj." "Three months sounds like a short amount of time, if you look at it being only 90 days."

"I have left you an envelope with some cash and a few pre paid debit cards in case of an emergency."

"I know you are a young adult and you like to hang out, especially with the opposite sex but need I ask you not to have any company in my home or to have any wild parties?" Asked Fatima

Fatima was finally packed and ready to head for the airport. Fatima packed enough cloths, scrubs and personal hygignes that would last for the next three monts. It was almost like her whole life was packed in one single suitcase.

It was a good thing that Taj lived next door because he would be able to drive Fatima to the airport so she could spend a few more moments with Mimi, before leaving for her business trip for the next three months.

Fatima, finally arrived at Carol's nursing home and she was glad about it. The ride was only a three hour flight, but it was not so comfortable in coach.

Fatima booked a return trip in first class. After making sixty thousand dollars, she would be able to afford it.

Fatima walked into the nursing home and was immediately impressed. Most nursing homes have an awful smell of bodily fluids, but this was not the case at her friend Carol's facility. The facility was infested with beautiful plants and decorated art as well as soft music playing to give a warm and welcome feeling to those who visited the facility.

While Fatima was admiring the nursing home set up her friend Carol came from the main office to greet Fatima.

"Fatima!" "You made it!" "Im so glad to see you!"

"You look good sister." Said Carol as the two exchanged a warm and endearing hug.

"Thank you for accepting my offer to fill in for Linda our normal physician."

"She has not been so successful in the past with having babies, but by the grace of God, she was able to go full term this time around." Said Carol

"You look good as well Carol."

"Thank you for thinking of me to fill in." "Im glad I could help you out in your time of need."

"Thank you for considering me for the position, I'm glad that I'm able to help I will keep lending my prayers as well."

"Your facility looks fabulous!"

"You always talked about owning your own nursing home, and you did it."

"You should be proud of your self sister." "Im proud of you." Said Fatima

"Thank you Fatima." "I have worked very hard at getting my facility to where it is now"

"My residents are very important to their family as well as they are to me."

"Over the next three months, you will come to love the residences as well." "You may even pick out your favorite one to spoil and shower with extra attention." Said Carol

Carol's facility was a small facility compared to the normal facilities that society was used to. Carol's facility could only hold up to 30 residents at time, which made Fatma's job that much easier.

Carol gave Fatima a rundown on how things worked at the facility while introducing her to the nurses, nurses aides and the maintenance crew that help to keep the facility running smooth.

Fatima was eager to get to work and it showed by her actions when showing up to the facility with a bag of house shoes for males and females.

Fatima felt it would be a great ice breaker while introducing herself to the patients.

Fatima's first patient was Marie Salazar. Ms. Salazar was 85 years old and was the oldest and the longest resident residing at the facility.

Fatima could tell right away, she was the alpha female of the facility amongst the other residents, and Fatima respected that fact.

"Good morning Ms. Salazar." "My name is Dr.Fatima and I will be filling in for your regular doctor , Linda for the next three months." "I hope that's okay with you." "I also came bearing gifts I hope you could use an extra pair of house shoes?" asked Fatima

"It's okay with me." "But im sure you will have issues with the other residents in the facility." "They are not as pleasant as I am."

said Ms Salazar in a stern voice

"If you need some help, just ask for my aid, Jason and he will get a message to me." "I trust him with everything, even my life." Said Ms Salazar.

"I'm sure what ever issues I may come across, I will be able to handle it." "I have been a physician for some years now."

"But thank you for the offer." Said Fatima

"I know you think im just an old lady, but im not just a regular resident here at Carol's facility." "Im a very important person." " Especially to my family." Said Ms. Salazar

Fatima agreed with Ms Salazar and continued making her rounds and introducing herself , while enjoying the smile of the residence receiving a new pair of house shoes for their comfort, while living out there days at Carol's facility.

Fatima had been at the nursing facility for two weeks and was loving every minute of it.

She was getting to know each and every patient on an individual level.

Like Mr .Larry who was a former police officer. He loved to watch Fatima walk around and smile while doing her job. But he loved it even more when they had a one-on-one interaction such as when she took his vital signs.

He would say flirty thing like "you make my heart beat faster" or you make my temperature rise"

Or Mrs Wells who told the same story to everyone she met over and over again about the first day she met her husband Frank.

"Frank was tall and handsome and he didn't see any other girl in the dance that night but me."

From that day forth we were inseparable."

"I helped him get through law school and raised four children and six grandchildren." I miss Frank." Mrs Wells would say

It was late at night when Fatima noticed a few of the residents gathered in the dinning room as though they were having a private meeting. Fatima didn't think anything was abnormal. In fact she was delighted to see the residents interacting with each other. Just because they were up in age didn't mean they were dead already.

Fatima decided to drop in before leavng for the evening, and say good night to the residents.

As Fatima walked towards the circle of residents and could here Mrs. Salazar instruct the residents to stop talking. And the residents did just that.

"Good evening everybody." "How are things going this evening?" Fatima asked

"Things are going well Dr. Fatima, have a good evening." said Mrs. Salazar with the stren tone that Fatima was all too familiar with , waved her hands , in a dismissal manner.

Fatima was too tired to make sense of the private meeting but it would all come together soon enough.

Fatima was two months into her temporary position as head physician at the nursing home facility.

It was like Fatima had been working there for years and was part of the family. She felt right at home.

Carol was right when she said the residents would touch Fatima's heart. Fatima loved all thirty residents, but she had her favorite of them all, Ms. Susan Pines.

Fatima loved Ms.Pines. Ms. Pines would never say one word or complain about anything. She was sweet and kind and Fatima simply loved her.

One morning while Fatima was making her rounds, she could hear Ms. Pines crying. Which was nothing new because Miss pines was borderline bipolar and was diagnosed with dementia the year prior.

When Fatima asked Ms. Pines why she was crying, Ms Pines simply pointed to Ms Salazar.

Fatima didn't know what to make of Ms. Pines pointing to Ms Salazar, but she intended on finding out why Ms. Pines was crying this time and if Ms. Salazar was the reason for it.

But same with decided to look at Miss Salazar personal files to find out a little bit more about her background, and why did she feel she was Superior over the other residence. Fatima found out that Miss Salazar was the mother of one of the biggest mob bosses in the tri-state area. She also found out that her friend Carol was only part owner of Carol's facility and the other part belong to the Salazar family. Now Fatima understood how Carol was able to pay her cash and in such a substantial amount at that. Fatima fear God but she was no fool. Just like in the movies mob bosses are very protective over their family members especially their mothers.

Fatima had one week left to her three month temporary position at Carol's nursing facility . But to be honest Fatima missed her home and she especially missed her Pomeranian Mimi.

"Fatima, I really appreciate you filling in for Linda, and she appreciate it as well." " Her baby girl made it to the world with our a scratch." " Mother and baby are doing just fine." Said Carol

"It has been an awesome adventure here at your facility, but I must admit, I am ready to return to my own bed!"

"But there is one thing I would like to know Carol."

"How are you able to afford to pay me sixty-thousand dollars cash?" " You don't have that many residents, and I know by working for Community General that the state will only pay up to $3,000 per month per patient."

"Its equipped with the most expensive high tech security system I have ever seen."

"Every room has its own, color television mounted to the wall and the meals are prepared as though they come from a five-star Michelin restaurant." Said Fatima

"I have a very high end clientele list." "These are mothers and fathers of some very important people." "They would pay, just about anything to make sure their parents and loved ones are safe."

Fatima asked the probing question in hopes that Carol's facility was a legit facility. Carol's answer gave Fatima no red flags.

it was the last week of Fatima's residency and she wanted to do something special for her favorite resident, Mrs Pines. Miss pines would talk about how she would crochet scarves hats and gloves for her husband her children and her grandchildren and she missed that hobby. Fatima purchased a crocheting kit complete with hundreds of different colors many different size and shapes of crocheting needles.

Fatima placed the gift that she had purchased and placed it in a gift bag and walked over to Mrs . Pines cottage to present her with the gift and give to give her well wishes.

Unfortunately, to Fatima's' surprise, Ms. Pines was dead, and it seemed as though she had died in her sleep the night before.

Fatima was heart broken, but she still had a job to do. She filed out the proper paper work , and contacted Ms.Pines closest relative, her niece Pam.

She also contacted her friend Carol who happened to be the administrator to the facility as well.

"Thank you for contacting me Dr Fatima." "Auntie Sue is my husband's favorite auntie but she became too much for me to handle by myself." "I'm glad there wasn't opening spot at Carol's Nursing facility just in time of our need."

"Her children and grandchildren all reside in different cities and states and are all too busy with their own lives and their own families, to take care of their mother and their grandmother."

"Luckily, my husband is a successful lawyer and know some pretty important people." The only way someone would be able to get a spot in this facility is if one person dies. And someone desperately needs a spot." Said Pam

"Im very sorry for your loss Pam. your Aunt Susan was a beautiful soul and will be mised here at Carols Facility."

"Although she never said a word through her body language and her response to prayer, I fell like I have known her for years." said Fatima

"Thank you for taking care of her Dr. Fatima." "you are truly appreciated."

"After her husband was murdered many years ago, our dear Auntie Sue hasn't said a word."

"According to my husband, the fact that she was there the night he was killed by an intruder, by an unmasked killer, she was stunned with fear."

"The doctors didn't find anything physically wrong with her but they did diagnose her with PTSD , since she didn't say a word after he was killed, during the murder, or for the past several years to be exact."

"My husband thinks its a possibility, that she saw who killed her husband, and has been to afraid to say who it was for in fear of her life." Said Pam

Fatima was known for being a bit of a sleuth in her college years but never was it a career that she wanted to pursue, however somethings was just obvious to her.

The facility was half owned by one of the biggest mob families in today's society.

Every client that resided in the facility was either a parent or grandparent of police officer or a lawyer, the spouse of a police officer or lawyer, or a lawyer or a police offer themselves. Both professions were known for "making things" happen.

Fatima went to the guest house that she occupied for the past 3 months and had it professionally cleaned while she gathered her things for her return trip back home in a few hours.

Dare she asked Carol more probing questions about business that wasn't her concern or even present her with the hypothesis as to what really happened to Mrs. Pines.

After she payed the cleaning ladies their normal fees and gave a hefty tip,

She realized that she left her favorite coffee mug at Carol's facility and would rather not leave it if she could help it.

Since Fatima had more than enough time to spare before her flight departure she decided to make a quick trip to the facility to retrieve her coffee cup.

Although it was after hours, Fatima was still able to use her passkey to enter into the facility. She was met by darkened hallways and a somber atmosphere. Not fearful of the unexpected situation she proceeded to her office to obtain her coffee cup as planned.

She wnet in to the office where her coffee mug was still sitting the the desk, where she left it the morning of.

Fatima locked the door behind her but was distracted by the lit up dinning room hall where Ms. Salazar and the other residents seem to be having some sort of meeting but this time instead of interrupting Fatima stood quietly in hopes of hearing what was being discussed. Fatima could faintly care Ms Salazar speaking to the group with authority which was nothing abnormal for a Fatima to see and hear. But as the seconds rolled by Fatima could tell this was no regular meeting Miss Salazar was conducting.

In order to get a clear understanding of what the meeting was about for team I had to move in closer without being seen she squatted and walked under the big window in order not to be noticed by Ms Salazar or the other residence.

"She was a weak link she had to go." besides we couldn't take a chance on her finally talking about something that happened too long ago to bring up now. " "I had to make the call! " Said Miss Salazar

"What if her family gets suspicious? "

Ask one of the residents

"Don't worry about that my helper Jason made sure it look like she died in her sleep. " Said Ms. Salazar

"What about the nosy doctor Fatima?" "She acts like she's a private detective when she asks probing questions like she do."

Fatima was not disturbed by what she was hearing at least not at the moment. It wasn't until her helper Jason woke up and said what he said.

"If you'd like I can make sure she has an accident." "We're too close to completing the deal to have any loose ends." By this being our last run I'd hate for anything to go wrong before we can leave following the next day." said Jason to helper.

" No it's something special about Dr Fatima that I like and besides she will be gone by tomorrow morning." Said Ms Salazar

Now Fatima was intrigued. Many questions flow through her mind but her biggest concern would be her safety. Fatima exited the same way she entered and quickly went back to her living space.

Fatima was not so good at leaving certain things unanswered. Especially something like a murder.

Meanwhile back at Carol's Nursing facility the meeting between the other residents and Mrs. Salazar had adjourned.

Jason, Mrs Salazar's long time helper had a few choice of words for her.

"I have been your helper for a long time now." "After the boss was sent to prison for life, he assigned me to do whatever makes you happy."

"I didn't mean to kill Mr. Pines, I was aiming for Mrs pines but he stepped in the way to save his wife, but accidents happen."

"I have been in your debt ever since that day."

"I'm getting older and I would like to live out the rest of my days not being your helper, but living for the Lord, with all due respect Mrs. Salazar."

"Do you think that God will forgive you for all the murders and other heinous crimes you have committed against all humanity since you have been working for me"?

"Your debt is clear when I say your debit is clear!"

"If you would have killed Mrs. Pines in the first place, everyone would still be happy, including the whores my husband frequently visited. But especially my one and only true love, Mr.Pines."

Mrs. Salazar and Jason the helper , went back and forth for what seemed like hours with out coming to a resolution.

It was the next day and Fatima got little to no sleep the night before. She cancelled her flight and left the day open. Her curiosity was nudging at her like a new mosquito bite that needed to be itched.

She reached out to her old Friend who happened to be a private investigator, Martha Stovall.

Fatima gave Martha all of the details to the drama going on at Carol's nursing facility and then gave her hypothesis on the information she had already gathered.

Martha advised Fatima to be careful and not to do anything that will put her in harm's Way and to stay put until she got a call back from her.

But Fatima did not listen. She knew that normal deliveries to the facility was every day around the same time just before lunch was being served.

If she wanted Justice for her favorite client misses Susan pines she had to investigate.

Fatima new there was something special about this particular delivery , since it was mentioned during the secret meeting Mrs. Salazar conducted the night before.

She arrived at the facility just in time to see the delivery truck back into the facility and prepare to deliver the daily packages designated for the facility.

Fatima was familiar with the delivery driver as he flirted with her many times in the past 3 months.

She used her femininity to get close to the driver to ask questions about his daily deliveries.

" Good afternoon beautiful Dr. Fatima. I thought you were long gone by now." "Please say you've changed your mind about accompanying me on a date? " It was surely make my day." asked the delivery driver.

Fatima somehow convinced the delivery driver that he could be part of an illegal crime that could potentially get him put in prison for a very long time.

It didn't take Fatima too much convincing the delivery driver to agree to allow Fatima to search Mrs. Salazar's package.

He mentioned that he had always suspected something suspicious about daily deliveries for Mrs Salazar and her helper, Jason.

Fatima quickly searched box after box to only find medical supplies and other items used daily at most nursing homes. It wasn't until the last box that Fatima was able to locate a box disguised as beauty supply from a vendor marked " SPECIAL DELIVERY"

Fatima was rushed with feelings of satisfaction and disappointment all at the same time.

Satisfied because she intercepted a substantial amount of drugs that could potentially be harmful to the younger people in the community.

Fatima decided not to stop the delivery from happening. Possession is Nine tenth of the law.

If Mrs. Salazar was caught red-handed with the drugs, it would be easier to shed light on what actually happened to Susan Pines.

Fatima called Carol but not before calling Martha to include her in on the package she found that was full of fentanyl.

"Fatima, I asked you not to do anything that could potentially put you in harm's way!" " You are in the medical field."

After Martha fussed at Fatima for what seemed forever the pair agreed that Fatima would wait for law enforcement, sent by Martha Stovall to investigate the "Special Delivery" that was sent to Mrs Salazar.

It was evening time when Mrs Salazar received a letter from her helper, Jason. It read:

"If you are reading this letter,I am hundreds of miles away by now, so it no use in calling out for me, as I will not be there. "

"Whether you believe it or not I have found the Lord, My Almighty Savior, and He has forgiven me for all of my sins." "Even the ones you don't know about."

"To ensure my safety, I've taken the liberty of making a list of all of the crimes that I have committed since I've been working for you."

"In my former line of business ,there was no time for regret, but the one I do regret was, the the mistake of killing your lovers wife, Mrs. Pines.

"She didn't deserve to die, but when she recognized you from a picture when you were younger and realized that you were the woman her husband was having an affair with, it only seemed like she was a loose."

"After she pointed to you it would be only a matter of time before she started talking to someone like Dr. Fatima, about the reason her husband was dead."

"I'm not worried about you sending anyone to hurt me because, I've sent the Boss a letter, explaining why I have chosen to no longer be employed with his organization."

"Once your husband finds out you set him up to take the fall for the murder of Mr. Pines, who happened to be your lover, well you know what will happen."

God bless you Mrs. Salazar

Signed Jason the helper ☺️

By the time Mrs. Salazar reached the end of the letter, the local police was there with a search warrant , to find the box of fentanyl, that was described by the anonymous caller.

Watching as Ms. Salazar was placed under arrest for drug trafficking and suspicion of murder of Mrs. Pines, Fatima was relieved but concerned for Carol and her involvement in the whole ordeal.

"I'm sorry that things had to end up this way Carol."

But I have to know, if you knew that the Salazar family was peddling drugs through your nursing home?" Asked Fatima

"I give you my word Fatima." "I knew nothing about illegal drugs being sold or used from this facility."

"No matter who I'm in business with, I will always have moral values , I hope you believe that?" Carol asked Fatima.

I believe you Carol, but for future references you should pay attention to who you are doing business with and who they are connected to, it could actually save you some embarrassment, such as this. " Fatima pleaded.

While the local police were wrapping up their investigation , Fatima heard one of the police officers mention,

Martha Stovall and her investigating team was spot on as usual. This made Fatima glad that she knew someone important like Martha Stovall, a Private Investigator.

It had been 30 days since Fatima was back at home and back doing rounds at Community General. Although Fatima had a great time filling in at

Carol's Nursing facility she was relief to be back at home and in her own space. She will think twice before involving herself in a situation that may potentially put her life in harm's way.

The End.

Please, know that GOD IS THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, ONCE YOU ASK HIM FOR FORGIVENESS AND YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT YOU ARE FORGIVEN YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BE RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES PLEASE TAKE THAT OPPORTUNITY GOD BLESS.

Ms,E L Sanders