The Silence That Speaks (Forensic Instincts 4)

It was astonishing how “cafeterias” in hospitals had changed—at least this one, Casey noted, standing outside Au Bon Pain at 12:55 p.m. Gone was the old-fashioned institutional cafeteria. In its place was one of several small but modern, well-known eateries scattered throughout the hospital. Space-efficient and a lot more pleasing to the palette.

Scanning the busy first floor, Casey was pleased to see that the people passing through the corridor were either arriving visitors or destination-oriented personnel. The restaurant followed suit: its patrons were mostly those who were grabbing a quick cup of coffee or a light meal to take with them.

That meant that the little round tables and matching white chairs were almost completely empty. Casey suspected that the upper-level eateries had a lot more sit-down traffic, but this was the in-and-out level.

Maybe that’s why Janet had picked it.

At that moment, Janet appeared, weaving hurriedly between the passersby until she reached Casey’s side.

“I got here the moment I could,” she said breathlessly.

“I was early. You’re more than on time.” Casey extended her hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

“I’m thrilled.” Janet’s handshake was firm and friendly. “I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to talk with me.” She gestured at the restaurant. “Let’s get our food. The farthest table on the right is empty and the longest distance from the corridor. We’ll have some privacy to talk.”

“Great,” Casey replied. “You sound like you’ve done this before.”

“For more private conversations, yes.” Janet smiled. “After twenty-six years of working here, I’d better have picked up a few tricks. Otherwise, I’d be a complete idiot.”

The two women got their salads and coffee and sat down at the table Janet had indicated.

Casey glanced at her watch. Forty minutes to go. She’d spend fifteen of those minutes telling Janet the most exciting aspects of Forensic Instincts, and then shift the conversation where she wanted it—on Conrad, Madeline, Ronald and other hospital personnel.

Janet pushed aside her salad, propped her elbows on the table and leaned forward.

“So what’s it like running Forensic Instincts? Is it similar to what you see on Criminal Minds? You’re an expert in human behavior. That’s kind of like what they are on that show. It’s scary and riveting all at once.”

Casey had heard that question a dozen times.

“It’s a lot less Hollywood, but no less exciting,” she replied, giving Janet a mixture of the truth and the answer she wanted to hear. “We catch all kinds of criminals, from kidnappers, to money launderers, to rapists and murderers.”

Janet’s eyes grew huge. “I read all about your last case. You were the target. How terrifying. What happened when—?”

“Janet.” Casey held up her palm. There was no acting involved here. “I can’t talk about that case. It’s still too raw.”

“I understand.” She nodded sagely. “Can you tell me about your team? How did you put it together?”

That was a far easier question, one that Casey explained candidly. She was damned proud of the FI team, and tooting their horns was something she did without hesitation.

She gave Janet a few more highlights, then took a bite of her salad.

“I know you need to get back soon,” she said. “You must have a very significant job here.”

Janet puffed up a bit. “I started at the bottom. Twenty-six years later, I run the administrative wing. All the staff members there report to me.”

“Pretty impressive. I don’t know how you keep it all straight.”

“I have an unbelievable memory. I remember everything, not only about my staff but about everything that goes on in this hospital. Of course, I was outclassed by Ronald.” She smiled fondly. “He had a photographic memory. There was nothing he couldn’t recall. It was sometimes frustrating as hell to work with him.”

“I can imagine. But Jacob Casper must really appreciate you.”

“He does.” Janet sounded less than enthusiastic. “And he runs a very tight, by-the-book department. Truthfully, it was more interesting when Ronald was in charge.”

“Yes, from what I’m hearing he was a very charismatic man,” Casey said carefully. It was too soon to tread on Janet’s toes.

Janet picked up on the inference, anyway. It was written all over her face.