We'll Meet Again

45

After Calvin Whitehall got a call tipping him off that traces of Annamarie Scalli’s blood had been found on Molly Lasch’s shoe and in her car, he went immediately to Dr. Peter Black’s office.

“We’ve got a brand-new three-ring circus in the making,” he announced to Black, then paused as he scrutinized him closely. “You don’t seem that upset about it.”

“Am I upset that Annamarie Scalli, a potential troublemaker, isn’t out there anymore? No, I’m not,” Peter said, a look of smug satisfaction on his face.

“You told me there wasn’t a shred of proof of anything, and that if she had talked, she would have incriminated herself in the process.”

“Yes, I did say that, and it’s still accurate. Nevertheless, I find myself suddenly very grateful to Molly. Sordid as all this publicity will become, it has nothing to do with either one of us, or the hospital, or Remington Health Management.”

Whitehall considered his partner’s words.

Peter Black always had been intrigued by Cal ’s ability to sit both very still and very quiet when he was concentrating. It was as though his powerful body became rocklike in its stillness.

Finally, Cal Whitehall nodded in assent. “That’s an excellent point, Peter.”

“How is Jenna taking all this?”

“Jenna is with Molly right now.”

“Is that wise?”

“Jenna understands that I will not tolerate photographs of her linked arm-in-arm with Molly showing up in the newspapers at this time. Once the merger is complete, she can be as helpful to Molly as she chooses. Until then, she’s got to keep a certain distance.”

“How much help can she be, Cal? If Molly goes to trial again, even that hotshot lawyer won’t be able to get her the kind of deal he got from the prosecutor last time.”

“I’m aware of that. But you must understand, Jenna and Molly are like sisters. I admire Jenna’s loyalty, even while I have to keep it reined in at the moment.”

Black looked at his watch impatiently. “When did he say he’d call?”

“It should be any minute now.”

“It had better be. Roy Kirkwood is coming in. He lost a patient the other day and blames it on the system. The patient’s son is on the warpath.”

“ Kirkwood is immune to a lawsuit. He did want extra tests. We can handle the patient’s son.”

“It isn’t about money.”

“Everything’s about money, Peter.”

Peter Black’s private phone rang. He picked up the receiver, listened for a moment, then touched the conference button and lowered the volume. “ Cal is here, and we’re ready, Doctor,” he said, his tone respectful.

“Good morning, Doctor,” Cal ’s commanding voice had no trace of its customary arrogance.

“Congratulations, gentlemen. I believe we have achieved another breakthrough,” the voice on the other end of the line said, “and if I’m right, all other accomplishments will pale by comparison.”