“Sorry, Myra, I don’t carry lanyards in my car, but we can stop at the first drugstore we see and get three of them. Good idea, Myra. What your eyes see first is what sets the tone for what is to come. What do we do if there are still patients in the building when we get there?”

“We dismiss them and tell them to call to reschedule. I say we gather all the personnel together, scare the hell out of them, then zero in on the good, or not so good, doctor. As to the associates, if they’re there, then we make short work of them. These shields will scare anyone into instant obedience,” Annie said.

The women batted their entrance scenario around for the rest of the ride into the District. The stop at a Rite Aid drugstore barely ate into their time, and they arrived at Dr. Mattison’s office right on schedule.

“Eleven cars in the parking lot. Six staff, the two associates, the doctor, and possibly two patients. Ooops, make that possibly one patient. Someone just got into one of the cars.

“Pricey real estate,” Myra said. “Did Abner tell you what the doctor’s income is?”

“Close to $3 million. He’s up there with the movers and shakers. One of his usual golfing buddies is the President’s personal physician.”

The women climbed out of the car. Nikki locked it. And then, as if on cue, all three adjusted their gold shields hanging from leather lanyards around their necks.

“If I’m not mistaken, here comes patient number two. We are good to go, ladies. We can admire the architecture another time. Step lively now.” They did wait at the door to see if the elderly gentleman was indeed headed to the burgundy-colored Saab in the patient section of the parking lot.

Annie opened the door and walked straight to the counter, where a young woman sat typing into the computer. She only looked up when Annie cleared her throat.

“Office hours are over, ma’am. I can make an appointment for you if you like.”

“We don’t need an appointment, young lady. We’re here to see Dr. Mattison. Call him. Then gather up the staff and have them here front and center. Do it now!” Annie wiggled the gold shield for the receptionist’s benefit. Her eyes grew wide, and she opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Nikki backed up and locked the door to the lobby.

“Now means now!” Annie said. “Or I can do it for you.”

“I think you should do it,” Myra said.

Annie brought her fingers to her lips and let loose with a shrill whistle that was deafening. Running feet from every direction could be heard.

“There is an intercom, Annie, that could have gotten the same result,” Myra said. Annie shrugged.