remind you of the institution's financial situation. That four hundred thousand will have to come from somewhere.'
'Patient care, no doubt,' said Kornblatt.
Plumb gave a sad smile. As I've stressed in the past, patientcare reduction is always the court of last resort,' he said. 'But each month strips us closer and closer to the bone. No one's fault-it's just present-day reality. In fact, perhaps it's good we've wandered afield of the issue of Dr. Ashmore's murder and are talking about it in open forum. To some extent, fiscal and security issues dovetail-both stem from demographic issues outside of anyone's control.'
'There goes the neighborhood?' said Spironi.
'Unfortunately, Doctor, the neighborhood has already gone.'
'So what do you suggest?' said Elaine, the ponytailed woman.
'Closing down?'
Plumb shifted his gaze to her sharply. Lifting his foot from the chair, he straightened and sighed.
'What I suggest, Dr. Eubanks, is that we all remain painfully aware of the realities that, for all intents and purposes, imprison us.
Institution-specific problems that augment the already difficult state of health care in this city, county, state, and to some extent, the
entire country. I suggest that all of us work within a realistic framework in order to keep this institution going at some level.'
'Some level?' said Kornblatt. 'That sounds like more cuts a-comin', George. What's next, another pogrom, like Psychiatry? Or radical surgery on every division, like the rumors we've been hearing?'
'I really don't think,' said Plumb, 'that this is the right time to get into that kind of detail.'
'Why not? It's an open forum.'
'Because the facts simply aren't available at present.'
'So you're not denying there will be cuts, soon?'
'No, Daniel,' said Plumb, straightening and placing his hands behind his back. 'I couldn't be honest and deny it. I'm neither denying nor confirming, because to do either would be to perform a disservice to you as well as to the institution. My reason for attending this meeting was to pay respect to Dr. Ashmore and to express solidarity- personal and institutional-with your well-intentioned memorial for him. The political nature of the meeting was never made clear to me and had I known I was intruding, I would have steered clear. So please excuse that intrusion, right now-though if I'm not mistaken, I do spot a few other Ph. D.'s out there.' He looked at me briefly. 'Good day.'
He gave a small wave and headed up the stairs.
Afro said, 'George-Dr. Plumb?'
Plumb stopped and turned. 'Yes, Dr. Runge?'
'We do-I'm sure I speak for all of us in saying this-we do appreciate your presence.'
'Thank you, John.'
'Perhaps if this leads to greater communication between administration and the professional staff, Dr. Ashmore's death will have acquired a tiny bit of meaning.'
'God willing, John,' said Plumb. 'God willing.'
After Plumb left, the meeting lost its steam. Some of the doctors stayed behind, clustering in small discussion groups, but most disappeared. As I exited the auditorium I saw Stephanie coming down the hall.
'Is it over?' she said, walking faster. 'I got hung up.'
'Over and done. But you didn't miss much. No one seemed to have much to say about Ashmore. It started to evolve into a gripe session against the administration. Then Plumb showed up and took the wind out of the staffs sails by offering to do everything they were demanding.'
