The Silence That Speaks (Forensic Instincts 4)

Casey drew a harsh breath, and dragged her hand through her hair. “Goddammit, Marc,” she said finally. “You’re putting me in a shitty situation, and you know it. If you screw up because of your feelings for Madeline...”

“I won’t. You have my word.”

There was never a doubt about Marc’s word, not to Casey. He kept it, no matter what.

“Don’t make me regret this,” she replied. “But all right. Do what you have to. Just keep me posted every step of the way.”

“I will.” Marc walked over and touched her sleeve. “Thank you for trusting me—and for not kicking my ass out of here. It would have been justified. By the way, just so you know, I’m going to follow up on every single angle we discussed.”

“I expected no less.”

“We should talk to Patrick and put extra security on Conrad, too. If Madeline’s in greater danger, then so is he.”

“Point taken. I’ll handle it.”

Marc held out his hand. “Truce?”

“Truce.” Casey shook his hand, and then leaned up to hug him. “Now that we’ve killed each other, I want you to know how happy for you I am. You and Madeline are the real deal. Hold on to it.”

“After losing it once? You bet your ass I will.”

20

IF YOU TELL the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.

Mark Twain’s words. Casey’s favorite quote.

Marc adhered to it when he set up the appointment with Jacob Casper. And he and Claire fully intended to follow through on it during that meeting.

“How did Casper rea

ct when you said this meeting pertained to Conrad Westfield?” Claire asked as they headed from the subway to Manhattan Memorial.

“First, he was dead quiet, like I’d punched him in the gut,” Marc replied. “Then he wanted details. I told him I’d rather discuss them in person.”

“That must have freaked him out.”

“Sure did.” Marc’s smile was tight. “Anything that rocks the boat now will freak him out. He sees the brass ring just ahead. Once the merger is finalized, he’ll be the man.”

“So the question is, is he nervous about this meeting because it might put a chink in his plans to become hospital administrator of the new megahospital, or is it because he’s guilty of going after Conrad and Madeline?”

“Either way, I’m going to find out. That’s my job.” Marc shot Claire a look. “Your job is to find out if he’s doing Sharon Gilding, and if they might have joined forces to get rid of the threats.”

Claire nodded, slowing down as they neared the hospital doors. “Let’s go for it.”

* * *

Jacob Casper was in his office when they arrived.

Despite there being a perfectly good and available receptionist at her desk in the entrance of the administrative wing, Janet Moss came out to greet them. She was wearing black slacks and a red blazer, but her hair was down this time, straight and simple as it framed her face.

“Hello.” She shook their hands. “Mr. Devereaux and Ms. Hedgleigh, right?”

It was a perfunctory question, one that Janet obviously knew the answer to, but both Marc and Claire nodded.

“I realize you’re here to see Jacob, but I had to come out and meet the two of you. I’ve talked with Casey Woods, who told me so many fascinating stories about Forensic Instincts, and I’m now meeting two of her team members. It’s really exciting for me. I’ve read so much about your cases and the roles each of you have played. I’ve seen you interviewed on TV and online. You’re really impressive.”

“Thank you.” Claire answered quickly, before Marc could make some blunt statement that blew off the compliment. “We appreciate your support. We love what we do, and we’re grateful when we’re able to help our clients.”