Page 86 of Ten Day Affair

“Combining targeted funding with patient outcome metrics to test a phased transition. In short, finding a middle ground.”

I stare at him. Since when?

“He means I gave him context, not a plan,” I say tightly.

Cole finally looks at me. “You gave me what this board lacks, perspective from a community and healthcare vantage point.”

“Mr. Houston, are you suggesting we delay the vote?” Wilson asks.

“No.” Cole turns to him.

“I’m suggesting that if we’re going to make a permanent decision, we owe it to ourselves and the community to consider every viable option.”

“And are you presenting a viable option?” the CFO asks, eyes narrowing.

Cole pauses for the first time. “I tried. I spent the last few days reaching out to several systems, nonprofit and private, about absorbing the debt. No one can move that fast. Not in a week. And if we vote for a full concierge model today, those conversations go dead. It closes every door but one.”

His voice lowers, just enough to shift the energy in the room.

A long silence stretches.

Wilson adjusts his papers but doesn’t speak. Someone needs to respond, and for a second, it seems like no one will.

Then Grimaldi leans forward. “Dr. Taylor, do you agree with what Mr. Houston is suggesting?”

The question hangs in the air like a trap.

I sit up straighter. “I think he’s right about one thing. This vote isn’t binary. We’ve spent months pretending it is, but it’s not. There’s a way to restructure and protect the patients this hospital was built to serve. I don’t have the authority to make that decision. But I know what’s at stake if we get it wrong.”

Wilson taps his pen once. “Noted.”

But I don’t stop. “If you vote today and go full concierge, we lose leverage. We lose partnerships. We lose the ability to walk this back. And we lose the wing that bears my mother’s name, one that’s shown documented success in high-risk populations.”

Cole finally sits.

And I finally look at him.

I still don’t know if he’s trying to save the hospital or save face. But in this moment, he’s given me a chance to fight.

The CFO frowns. “That’s not sustainable long-term. We’ve run the numbers.”

“Then keep it short-term,” Cole replies, calm but firm.

Someone I don't know speaks up. "The bank is calling for it to be paid in full. The LLC that is buying the debt has given us a deadline. We don't have time to do a short-term solution."

"I've been in touch and they've agreed to give the hospital more time to find a solution that works for the patients and the bottom line."

"What are you suggesting?"

“Are you saying we buy time and let Dr. Taylor lead a subcommittee to develop a sustainable plan. At least see what preserving that wing could look like in practice,” someone I don't recognize says.

Maybe the tide is turning, something Cole told me was impossible.

There’s a moment of silence.

He’s not pleading, not really. But it’s close. And I know, because I know him now, that this isn’t just a performance. It’s a risk.

Wilson adjusts his glasses. “Mr. Houston, are you formally proposing an amendment to today’s motion?”