"If it's like the rest of him, a first-year med student would spot the condition."
"They wanted it. It's too damn much trouble to go through just to kill some sidewalk sleeper."
Possibilities circled in her mind. Revenge, some weird cult, a black-market sc
am. Kicks, entertainment. Practice.
"You said it was first-rate work. How many surgeons in the city could handle it?"
"I'm a dead doctor," Morris said with a ghost of a smile. "Live ones don't run in the same circles. Snazziest private hospital in New York would be the Drake Center. I'd start there."
"Thanks, Morris. I can use the final reports as soon as you can manage it."
"Then let me get back to my brain." With that, he ended transmission.
Eve turned to her computer, eyes narrowed. It was making a suspicious buzzing noise, one she'd reported twice to the jokers in maintenance. She leaned toward it, teeth bared in threat.
"Computer, you sack of shit, search for data on the Drake Center, medical facility, New York City."
Working…
It hiccupped, whined, and the screen flashed into an alarming red that seared the eyes. "Default to blue screen, damn it."
Internal error. Blue screen is unavailable. Continue search?
"I hate you." But she adjusted her eyes. "Continue search."
Searching…The Drake Center of Medicine, located Second Avenue, New York City, established 2023 in honor of Walter C. Drake, credited with the discovery of anticancer vaccine. This is a private facility, which includes hospital and health care clinics, rated Class A by the American Medical Association, teaching and training facilities also rated Class A, as well as research and development laboratories with Class A ratings. Do you wish list of board members on all facilities?
"Yes, on screen and hard copy."
Working…Internal error.
There was a distinct increase in the buzzing noise, and the screen began to shimmer.
Please repeat command.
"I'm going to eat those maintenance assholes for lunch."
Command does not compute. Do you wish to order lunch?
"Ha ha. No. List board members on all facilities of the Drake Center of Medicine."
Working…Health Center Board: Colin Cagney, Lucille Mendez, Tia Wo, Michael Waverly, Charlotte Mira…
"Dr. Mira," Eve murmured. It was a good connection. The doctor was one of the top criminal profilers in the city and affiliated with the New York Police and Security Department. She was also a personal friend.
Eve drummed her fingers, listening to the names of the board of the teaching facilities. One or two vaguely rang a bell, but the ringing became louder when the computer reached the board of the research and development arm.
Carlotta Zemway, Roarke—
"Hold it, hold it." Her drumming fingers curled into fists. "Roarke? Damn it, damn it, damn it, can't he stay out of anything?"
Please rephrase question.
"Shut the hell up." Eve pressed her fingers to her eyes; sighed. "Continue list," she ordered as her stomach continued to sink. "Print out, then disengage."
Internal error. Unable to comply with multiple commands at this time.