Broken Things (Faded Photograph Series) by Andrea Boeshaar Page A

months ago and, as you’ll notice, Arbor Springs was cited for some violations. Some of them have been corrected, but some haven’t. That’s why you’re here, Mrs. Littenberg.”
    She disliked the formality. “Allie. Please call me Allie.”
    “Okay, Allie it is.” Again he sent her a pleasant grin.
    Lowering her gaze to the report, she read over the citations. They ranged from insufficient staffing to dietary and housekeeping concerns.
    “The entire place has been spruced up since the inspection,” Evan informed her. “It’s been painted, wallpapered, carpeted in the visiting areas, and new flooring has been installed on each unit.”
    Allie gave a nod of approval. She didn’t have a problem with the facility’s décor per se, although she would prefer light-filtering blinds over the windows rather than the heavy draperies now covering them.
    “Personally, what I think is needed here,” Evan stated at last, “is some major reorganization. Once we’ve got that in place, our goal is to use Arbor Springs as a model for our other healthcare facilities. The most important thing is to avoid more citations and any fines.” Evan tipped his head to one side. “Think this is something you’d like to tackle?”
    “You know?” The familiar spring of determination welled up from somewhere within Allie while a sense of purpose enveloped her. “I believe this is the perfect job for me.” She could reorganize Arbor Springs. No problem. She specialized in reorganization. She’d had plenty of experience in other healthcare facilities, although she previously targeted billing and administrative offices. But this wasn’t so different. And if she gave this job her all, she might even make a contribution to the happiness of Arbor Springs’ residents.
    * * *
    Hours later, Allie acclimated herself with what would become her office for the next few months. Located on the first floor, it was down the hallway with the other administrative offices and physical therapy rooms and directly adjacent to the lobby. She had a window and a nice view of the small courtyard in back of the facility. The environment was conducive to her success, and if all went well with this job―as she sensed it would―Allie figured she’d be home in California by Christmas. Perhaps Nick and his new bride, Jennifer, would be expecting a baby by that time.
    A baby …
    A new generation … and one whose beginnings would be founded on God’s Word, unlike my own. Unlike Nick’s…
    Allie couldn’t help a wistful smile as she sifted through her desk, making a mental list of the supplies she’d need. Evan had told her to purchase any necessary items and turn in an expense report.
    Glancing at her watch, she decided to duck out early. It might be her only day to do so. Starting tomorrow, Allie knew her hours would be consumed with interviewing each supervisor and his or her employees―and this facility ran three shifts, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
    Gathering her laptop computer and handbag, she left Arbor Springs for the sunny, summer day. Climbing into the rental car, Allie tried to remember where she’d seen a discount office supply place.
    And then she realized it―Arbor Springs Healthcare Center was halfway between the City of Chicago and Oakland Park.
    An idea formed. No, I couldn’t . And yet, why not? There was still plenty of time before nightfall. What harm could there be in just cruising through the old neighborhood? Gorgeous day for a drive.
    Allie started the engine and grinned. She hadn’t had much chance to see Oakland Park the night she went to Steve and Nora’s for dinner. Sadly, Steve couldn’t remember what happened to her stepdad and stepsisters, although he thought they’d all moved away. Perhaps she’d find some answers today.
    She gripped the steering wheel and promised the Lord that she wouldn’t pry open any doors that He wanted to stay closed. But if there was restitution to be made, she’d sure like