The Silence That Speaks (Forensic Instincts 4)

“Doug Wilton. He’s in cardio with Conrad, although he’s a cardiologist, not a surgeon. He was one of Conrad’s and Ronald’s golfing buddies. He’s pretty plugged into what goes on at the hospital, but he’s also a good guy.”

“I could use a good guy after Dr. Gilding.”

As it turned out, Madeline was right. Doug Wilton was a good guy. He chatted with them about both Ronald and Conrad, and told funny stories about their golfing excursions.

“Ron and I didn’t spend much time together at the hospital. But we had a hell of a good time outside these walls. He had a big heart. I miss him. As for Conrad...” He paused, visibly upset. “I consulted with him on almost every one of my cases. He was an invaluable asset, to me and to the hospital. I can’t tell you how much I hope he’ll be back. Losing Ron was personally painful for me. Losing Conrad would be devastating.”

“I hope it won’t come to that,” Madeline said.

“So do I,” Doug responded. He didn’t look surprised by Madeline’s compassion for her ex. Casey wondered how much he and Conrad had discussed Madeline—and if Doug had any reason to dislike her.

Casey tucked that thought into the bears-further-investigation category.

Once that conversation was over, Madeline led Casey over to Janet Moss, who was the assistant to the hospital administrator, and probably a walking wealth of information.

“Janet has been here for years,” Madeline confirmed in a whisper as they neared her. “She worked closely with Ronald, and she works closely with Jacob. She knows everything that goes on in the administrative offices.”

“A good person to talk to.” Casey gave Janet Moss a quick once-over. About average height. Slender. Chestnut-brown hair worn in a simple chignon—one that might look too dressy for work on most women, but one that Janet pulled off with utter grace. High-styled eyeglasses that said designer. Not a lot of makeup, but well-applied and far from cheap. A put-together, professional woman who’d clearly worked her way up to making a decent salary, consistent with Madeline’s description.

“Madeline, hi.” Janet caught a glimpse of her out of her peripheral vision and turned away from the group of people she’d been talking to so that she could speak to her. “How are you feeling?”

Her tone and expression were concerned. She did shoot a curious glance at Casey, but that was to be expected. Janet was a woman who knew everyone in her hospital, and Casey was not one of those people.

“I’m on the mend,” Madeline was replying with a small smile. Actually, Casey noted, Madeline looked as though her energy level was fading. Just this one meeting, then Casey was taking her home.

“Thank you again for the beautiful floral arrangement,” Madeline continued. “Just looking at all those vivid colors made lying on the sofa, doing nothing, more pleasant.”

“I’m so glad you liked them,” Janet replied. “I wish I could have done more.”

“It’s not necessary. I’m really fine.” Having caught Janet’s second questioning glance in Casey’s direction, Madeline turned and made the introductions.

“No wonder you look familiar.” Janet was visibly impressed as she shook Casey’s hand. “Your picture’s been in the newspapers and on TV. Your investigative firm—Forensic Instincts, right?—has been in the limelight. Wow. It’s good to meet you.”

“Good to meet you, too.” Casey smiled. “I hear you hold the administrative wing of the hospital together.”

Janet ch

uckled. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I’ve been in the administrative wing for nineteen years. Before that, I did clerical work for four different departments in the hospital. I hate to say it because it ages me, but I’ve worked at Manhattan Memorial for twenty-six years.” A teasing grin. “Since I was twelve.”

Casey laughed with her. “Well, if it matters, you certainly don’t look old enough to have worked anywhere for that long.”

“Makeup is magic.”

“How true.” Casey was ready to get down to business. “Jacob Casper seems, in a very short time, to have a firm grip on his job and on the upcoming merger. That’s pretty impressive, considering the big shoes he had to fill. You worked for both him and Ronald Lexington. Is there a big difference in their styles?”

Janet looked a little wary, as well she should. Casey was asking an inside question.

“They each have their own strengths,” she answered diplomatically. “Jacob is the hospital’s future. But Ronald cared equally as much. Both men are and were totally committed to their jobs and powerful advocates for the hospital.” She steered the conversation to safer ground. “I do have a soft spot for Ronald. He gave my daughter a job here. She had several offers, but selfishly, I love having her close by.”

“I don’t think I met your daughter,” Casey replied.

“She’s over there.” Janet pointed at the group Madeline had been chatting with earlier. “Diana.”

“Oh.” Casey remembered the pretty young woman. Madeline had said she was a fairly new hire, and afraid of losing her job once the merger was finalized.

“She’s a circulating nurse,” Janet said. “She graduated at the top of her class, specialized in surgical nursing and then earned her registered nurse license and her operating-room nurse certification at a ridiculously young age. Ronald hired her about six months before he passed away. He felt strongly about that decision—even more so as Diana proved herself. Jacob feels the same way. Diana is a very talented young woman—and I’m not just saying that because she’s my daughter.”

“Diana really is exceptional,” Madeline agreed. “The entire surgical staff has nothing but praise for her. Conrad often requested her to be his circulating nurse.”