is near them.”
“Then we’ll have lots to discuss at the office.”
Claire edged a glance to her right and laughed softly. “Emma is really working this. You’ve got to give the girl credit. She’s a talented little thing.”
“Yeah, 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.”
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
