like the Artful Dodger.” Casey followed Claire’s line of vision, and chuckled as she watched Emma ease a bit closer to her enamored target. “I think the guy is going to come in his pants.”
“I hope not. That might kill the objective.”
Their conversation was interrupted as Jacob made his way to the platform and tapped the mike that had been set up for him.
“Good morning, everyone,” he began. “We’re all here for the same reason—to honor the memory of Ronald Lexington. Ronald was an exceptional man, an exceptional husband and father and an exceptional hospital administrator. He had a way with people that drew them to him, including our patients, whom he cared deeply about. He wanted nothing more than to see people heal and our hospital to thrive.”
Jacob cleared his throat, his gaze flitting about with obvious discomfort. “This is a very difficult time at Manhattan Memorial. The upcoming merger is a bit unsettling. I know that Ronald had his reservations about it, and I respected those. But the realities of the health care industry have changed significantly since his death, and I feel certain that, at this point in time, he would have supported this merger for the benefit of all. As we move forward, we will keep his spirit alive. The combined strengths of Manhattan Memorial Hospital and New York Medical Center will be more profitable than the sum of its parts. We’ll be able to serve more patients faster and with better outcomes. All of that would mean the world to Ronald. I’m proud to have known and worked with him, and I’m proud to dedicate this beautiful courtyard in his name. Thank you.”
Jacob’s brow was dotted with sweat as he left the podium.
For a brief instant, there was dead silence. Then came a round of robotic applause—accompanied by drawn expressions, furrowed brows and frightened gazes.
“The negative energy here just went through the roof,” Claire said, stating the obvious as she clapped politely.
“I don’t blame these people,” Casey replied quietly. “That was more of a campaign speech than a heartfelt dedication. I’m sure Ronald Lexington was not a fan of Casper’s, nor would he be any more pro-merger now then he was three months ago. This situation is ugly.”
As she spoke, Casey caught Emma’s eye. A quick nod told Casey that part one of Emma’s job was done. Now their new team member was heading toward Madeline, who was beckoning her over to meet Jacob Casper.
Smooth sailing for their plan.
On to meeting Nancy Lexington and her kids. Then it would be chat time with the three people on Casey’s list.
Casey caught Madeline’s gaze, and Madeline nodded, excusing herself from the group of nurses she’d been chatting with—one gray-haired, seasoned-looking woman in her early sixties, one petite, dark-haired girl who didn’t look much older than Emma and one round-faced, smiling guy in his mid-thirties. Beneath their jackets, they were all in their uniforms and all in deep conversation.
“What’s the topic being discussed in that group?” Casey asked Madeline, once she’d made her way over. “It seems intense.”
“More of the same,” Madeline replied. “Fears about the merger. Everyone’s very anxious.” She sighed. “Dan and his wife are expecting a baby. Carolyn is a couple of years away from retirement and is terrified of being forced into it prematurely. And Diana is a young, fairly new hire, who figures she’ll be one of the first to go.”
“I feel for them.”
“So do I.” Madeline winced a bit. “The anticipation is deadly.”
“Do you need to leave?” Casey asked quickly. “You look like you’re in pain.”
“I’ll manage. I want you to meet Nancy, her kids and the three people I mentioned in our earlier conversation and put on my list—Dr. Sharon Gilding, Dr. Doug Wilton and Janet Moss.”
“I’m ready. But first, I have to ask you again—is there anyone here that you have problems with? Anyone who might have a motive to hurt you?”
A rueful smile. “I don’t know about hurting me. But you’re about to meet someone who dislikes me intensely.”
“NANCY LEXINGTON?” CASEY looked surprised.
“None other. She still blames Conrad for Ronald’s death. She’s never let it go. And maybe because we socialized together as couples or because of some other reason I don’t know about, she sees me as an extension of my ex-husband.”
“So she hates you, too. Interesting. I’m more eager than ever to have this introduction.”
“Let’s go.”
They walked up to the Lexington family, who were now standing alone in a unified group, in quiet discussion.
“Hello, Nancy.” Madeline’s smile was cordial but tight.
Nancy froze the instant she saw who was addressing her. “Madeline,” she said. “I’m surprised to see you attending the dedication ceremony.”
“I was very fond of Ronald, both personally and professionally. His presence in the hospital is deeply missed.”
“I agree. He had a great deal of life left to live. Unfortunately, it was cut short.” Nancy’s gaze flickered to Casey. “And you are...?”
“Casey Woods.” Casey extended her hand. “I asked Madeline to introduce us. She and I met through one of my business associates.”
Casey’s statement was a purposeful attempt to separate herself from Madeline so as to nip any guilt-by-association in the bud. The best way to behaviorally assess Nancy was to make sure their meeting was on unbiased terms. It would only cloud the process by having Nancy dislike her from the get-go.
“I’m a former patient and small benefactor of the hospital,” Casey said. “This was all fairly recent, so I didn’t know your husband. But from everything I’ve learned, he was a special man. I wanted to extend my belated condolences and to tell you how lovely the courtyard garden is.”
Nancy’s expression altered completely, and she shook Casey’s hand. Her grip was friendly, but her gaze kept edging toward Madeline, a bitter look in her eyes. “Thank you. Ronald was totally devoted to this hospital. It’s not the same here—or at home—without him.” She turned to gesture at her children. “These are my children, Ron and Felicia.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Casey turned from one to the other. “My condolences to you both, as well.”
“We appreciate that,” Felicia said. Her words were directed at Casey, but both she and her brother were eyeballing Madeline. They looked almost as thrilled to see her as their mother did. “We’re grateful for today’s overwhelming turnout. Our father was an extraordinary man. We miss him every day.”
“I’m sure you do.” Casey took a step backward. “I don’t want to intrude or to take up any more of your time. I just wanted to meet you, to pay my respects and to offer my gratitude. I received excellent, compassionate care at Manhattan Memorial.”
