Saturday, June 19, 2010
Chapter 1-first section- The Cost Of Living
CHAPTER 1
Tampa, Florida. Fifth Avenue Housing Project
“Please help,” she said forcing air through her parched trembling lips. “Oh please help me God.” The once strong voice, now only a whimper, muffled by a damp pillow pressed against her ghostly white face.
Maria Suarez lie sprawled on her back, motionless on a filthy mattress that smelled like day old vomit. A small plastic lamp, molded into the shape of a pineapple, the only possession she kept from a horrifyingly abusive childhood, now reflected a hazy glow in her darkened room. The odor of stale cigarettes lingered and a locker room stench of sweaty clothes permeated the stagnant thick air. A rattling hum originating from a small metal fan was her only comfort and provided a slight breeze across her bare skin. Struggling to relieve the pain and agony throughout the night, Maria had pulled off the blankets and sheets, leaving her outstretched and naked on the mattress.
Moving her trembling fingers away from her clammy forehead, she ran her fingertips through sweat drenched hair. Snagging on a knot, she slowly pulled the long strand toward her face and struggled to focus. How had she gone down so fast? So far? A tear trickled down the side of her face as she stared at a knot of her hair lacing its way through a clump of pink chewing gum. Why is this happening to me? I'm not a bad person. This isn't fair. Tears streamed down her face as she tightly squeezed her eyes together hoping to block out her tormenting reality.
Rolling onto her side, a wave of nausea overwhelmed her and threw her into a bout of retching. Struggling to sit up she fell backwards clutching her stomach. Staring at the water-stained and paint chipped ceiling, tears continued streaming down the side of her face. When had she last eaten? Was it this morning or was it yesterday, or was it even the day before. I'm not sure, I just can't remember. Shaking uncontrollably her fingers gently brushed her swollen pregnant belly hoping not to stir the agonizing pain. Her long thin fingers traced along the sweat soaked contours of her body, until she touched her protruding navel. I can feel my heart beat. Should I feel my heart beating through my belly? Something must be wrong. Biting her lower lip, she prepared for the next agonizing cramp. Reaching out with both hands she rubbed her belly in a circular motion. My belly is on fire. Why is my belly on fire? I have to do something quick or the heat will kill my baby. Her eyes darted throughout the room searching for something to cool her down. But there was nothing. No water and no one to help her. "Oh dear God please help me." She whispered.
Maria reached along her side and ran her fingertips across the drenched sheets. Finding her rosary, she lifted it up to her face and kissed the cross. Trembling fingers coursed along the rosary searching for a bead. "Hail Mary," she whispered, her breaths coming in rapid succession. "Full of grace, the Lord is with thee…" She started to cry. Why can't I remember the words? I've known them since I was a little girl and I can't remember them. What is wrong with me?
Tampa, Florida. Fifth Avenue Housing Project
“Please help,” she said forcing air through her parched trembling lips. “Oh please help me God.” The once strong voice, now only a whimper, muffled by a damp pillow pressed against her ghostly white face.
Maria Suarez lie sprawled on her back, motionless on a filthy mattress that smelled like day old vomit. A small plastic lamp, molded into the shape of a pineapple, the only possession she kept from a horrifyingly abusive childhood, now reflected a hazy glow in her darkened room. The odor of stale cigarettes lingered and a locker room stench of sweaty clothes permeated the stagnant thick air. A rattling hum originating from a small metal fan was her only comfort and provided a slight breeze across her bare skin. Struggling to relieve the pain and agony throughout the night, Maria had pulled off the blankets and sheets, leaving her outstretched and naked on the mattress.
Moving her trembling fingers away from her clammy forehead, she ran her fingertips through sweat drenched hair. Snagging on a knot, she slowly pulled the long strand toward her face and struggled to focus. How had she gone down so fast? So far? A tear trickled down the side of her face as she stared at a knot of her hair lacing its way through a clump of pink chewing gum. Why is this happening to me? I'm not a bad person. This isn't fair. Tears streamed down her face as she tightly squeezed her eyes together hoping to block out her tormenting reality.
Rolling onto her side, a wave of nausea overwhelmed her and threw her into a bout of retching. Struggling to sit up she fell backwards clutching her stomach. Staring at the water-stained and paint chipped ceiling, tears continued streaming down the side of her face. When had she last eaten? Was it this morning or was it yesterday, or was it even the day before. I'm not sure, I just can't remember. Shaking uncontrollably her fingers gently brushed her swollen pregnant belly hoping not to stir the agonizing pain. Her long thin fingers traced along the sweat soaked contours of her body, until she touched her protruding navel. I can feel my heart beat. Should I feel my heart beating through my belly? Something must be wrong. Biting her lower lip, she prepared for the next agonizing cramp. Reaching out with both hands she rubbed her belly in a circular motion. My belly is on fire. Why is my belly on fire? I have to do something quick or the heat will kill my baby. Her eyes darted throughout the room searching for something to cool her down. But there was nothing. No water and no one to help her. "Oh dear God please help me." She whispered.
Maria reached along her side and ran her fingertips across the drenched sheets. Finding her rosary, she lifted it up to her face and kissed the cross. Trembling fingers coursed along the rosary searching for a bead. "Hail Mary," she whispered, her breaths coming in rapid succession. "Full of grace, the Lord is with thee…" She started to cry. Why can't I remember the words? I've known them since I was a little girl and I can't remember them. What is wrong with me?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Robert Carlson MD Sarasota Mystery Novel
The Cost of Living
Robert G Carlson, MD
Sacrificial killing of pregnant girls in sunny Florida transpires for the benefit of wealthy politicians and the financial gains of cutting-edge medicine. Only four days separate these poor girls and their babies from life and death. The controversy of stem cell research meets the thrills of Robin Cook's Coma in a novel with twists and turns on every page.
As a Board certified cardiothoracic surgeon, I bring 23 years of surgical experience to create the medical thriller, The Cost Of Living. I have eight publications in peer reviewed medical journals and one book chapter. The Consumer Research Council of America has recognized me as Top American Surgeon in the Guide to America’s Top Surgeons 2002-2003, 2006-2007, and 2010 editions.
The controversy of stem cell research meets the thrills of Tess Gerritsen's Harvest in The Cost of Living .Who has the right to kill your unborn child? Who has the right to sacrifice your life for their own fame and fortune and the good of their wealthy clients? Dr. Kentley Sinclair, cutting-edge human cloning researcher may not have that right, but who is going to stop him? The Cost of Living is a medical thriller that delves into the dark side of stem cell research and exposes the motivations of a cruel, megalomaniac physician,
Luring pregnant girls through an inner city woman’s clinic, Sinclair insists that his research can save their supposedly endangered babies; instead, he uses their wombs to grow his stem cells to help save the hearts of wealthy clients, and then disposes of both mother and baby.
One man, heart surgical resident Dr. Steele Russell, finds himself drawn into this vicious plot when Anna, the daughter of a beloved mentor, becomes entwined in Kentley Sinclair’s lethal web. Steele visits Dr. Sinclair to investigate his research, but has no clue of the bizarre chain of events to follow. Dr. Sinclair quickly realizes that Steele could disrupt his multi-million dollar cloning and stem cell research project and that he must be disposed of as quickly as possible. But will it be that easy?
As the body count escalates, Steele depends on his previous training as an Army Ranger to overcome unimaginable odds, protect his friends, and search for Anna. . Even worse, he finds himself propelled into the middle of a Secret Service operation with the Vice-President of the United States, a man desperately in need of Sinclair’s stem cells for his own failing heart.
Steele finds himself plunged into a rescue mission so intricate and perilous that his chance of success is at best miniscule. The arrival of his longtime military friend, The Spiceman, tips the scale in his favor and despite a near lethal injury, Steele overcomes the odds and saves Anna. At the end of it all, though lives were lost, many were saved; Steele's own life was changed forever.
Robert G Carlson, MD
Sacrificial killing of pregnant girls in sunny Florida transpires for the benefit of wealthy politicians and the financial gains of cutting-edge medicine. Only four days separate these poor girls and their babies from life and death. The controversy of stem cell research meets the thrills of Robin Cook's Coma in a novel with twists and turns on every page.
As a Board certified cardiothoracic surgeon, I bring 23 years of surgical experience to create the medical thriller, The Cost Of Living. I have eight publications in peer reviewed medical journals and one book chapter. The Consumer Research Council of America has recognized me as Top American Surgeon in the Guide to America’s Top Surgeons 2002-2003, 2006-2007, and 2010 editions.
The controversy of stem cell research meets the thrills of Tess Gerritsen's Harvest in The Cost of Living .Who has the right to kill your unborn child? Who has the right to sacrifice your life for their own fame and fortune and the good of their wealthy clients? Dr. Kentley Sinclair, cutting-edge human cloning researcher may not have that right, but who is going to stop him? The Cost of Living is a medical thriller that delves into the dark side of stem cell research and exposes the motivations of a cruel, megalomaniac physician,
Luring pregnant girls through an inner city woman’s clinic, Sinclair insists that his research can save their supposedly endangered babies; instead, he uses their wombs to grow his stem cells to help save the hearts of wealthy clients, and then disposes of both mother and baby.
One man, heart surgical resident Dr. Steele Russell, finds himself drawn into this vicious plot when Anna, the daughter of a beloved mentor, becomes entwined in Kentley Sinclair’s lethal web. Steele visits Dr. Sinclair to investigate his research, but has no clue of the bizarre chain of events to follow. Dr. Sinclair quickly realizes that Steele could disrupt his multi-million dollar cloning and stem cell research project and that he must be disposed of as quickly as possible. But will it be that easy?
As the body count escalates, Steele depends on his previous training as an Army Ranger to overcome unimaginable odds, protect his friends, and search for Anna. . Even worse, he finds himself propelled into the middle of a Secret Service operation with the Vice-President of the United States, a man desperately in need of Sinclair’s stem cells for his own failing heart.
Steele finds himself plunged into a rescue mission so intricate and perilous that his chance of success is at best miniscule. The arrival of his longtime military friend, The Spiceman, tips the scale in his favor and despite a near lethal injury, Steele overcomes the odds and saves Anna. At the end of it all, though lives were lost, many were saved; Steele's own life was changed forever.
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