The Silence That Speaks

“Is that Ronald Lexington’s widow?” she asked Madeline.

“Nancy Lexington, yes,” Madeline confirmed. “Those are her two children, Ron and Felicia. Not really children anymore. I think Ron is twenty-five and Felicia twenty-four.”

Casey took all that in. “I’ll need to meet the three of them later when the masses have left their sides.”

“No problem. I’ll make it happen.”

The next half hour was spent with Madeline introducing her “friends” and discussing her accident with what seemed to be an endless flow of people. Casey had suggested that Madeline get as many introductions as possible out of the way before the ceremony, so that the FI team could mingle comfortably and do their own behavioral analysis as the event unfolded, while Madeline paid the appropriate respect to Ronald Lexington’s memory. There was no point in arousing any suspicions of her motives for being here.

On the other hand, Casey had also instructed Madeline to be up front about who her FI “plus-ones” were. Much to their chagrin, Forensic Instincts team members had been interviewed too many times by TV media sources to assume that no one would recognize them. Candor was their best defense.

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything,” Casey said, quoting Mark Twain. “In this case, you’ll just tweak the truth to make it work for us. Explain that while you were a nurse in Bethesda, you treated Marc for an injury he sustained, and that, ironically, you ran into each other again in New York. And tell them that Claire and I were both recently patients in this hospital. We received excellent care and wanted to support the facility with a donation.” Casey stopped right there. The reasons for hers and Claire’s hospital admission were not things she wanted to discuss, nor did she need to. The details were no secret. The media had made sure of that.

“As for Emma,” Casey had concluded, “she’s fascinated by the medical field, and she loves helping people. She was hoping that by meeting someone in hospital administration, she could land a candy-striper job.”

Emma hadn’t blinked. She knew her dual roles in today’s visit.

Madeline didn’t, but she’d accepted Casey’s strategy at face value. “So, when you heard Marc was coming, you all opted to join him, each for your own reasons.”

“Exactly. We gave you a call, you offered to bring us as your guests, and that’s that.”

“Okay. That works.”

And it had. No matter how fascinating Forensic Instincts was, the crowd of hospital employees was far more interested in hearing about Madeline’s misfortunes and the severity of her injuries.

That gave the FI team the access they needed.

Their agendas had been laid out by Casey.

Emma headed off to begin her search for the right target.

Claire, keeping a low profile, moved about and stopped here and there to hover near clusters of people. Sipping her sparkling water, she listened, seeing if she picked up any negative energy. There was plenty to be had.

Casey noted the same thing as she chatted with the various employees. She listened to their feelings about Ronald Lexington, watching their body language as they spoke and assessing who was disingenuous and who was for real. The gist of what she heard was positive, and it was obvious that Lexington had been an affable guy whose only flaw was that he liked women just a tad too much for a happily married man. But if you played into his charm, all would be cool.

There was an entirely different vibe that came through when people talked about Jacob Casper. No matter how diplomatically people spoke, it was clear that there was no love lost between the staff and their interim hospital administrator. Listening to what wasn’t said as well as to what was, it was obvious that the hospital employees felt that Casper’s interests were totally self-centered, and that he didn’t give a damn about anything but money and power.

Casey wanted to form her own opinion. The employees were hardly unbiased at this particularly vulnerable time. There were anxious whispered conversations about the hospital merger—fears of job loss, reduced benefits, staff cuts and the resulting overwork for those who remained. The lack of job security and fear for financial survival was crushing—and naturally, those feelings were directly aimed at Jacob Casper. So Casey would have to meet him and decipher what he was for herself.

Multitasking as always, Casey glanced around, her expert gaze seeking and finding the specific individuals Madeline had named and provided physical descriptions of as being those who’d been closest—either in a professional or a personal capacity—to Ronald Lexington. She’d find a way to talk to all of them after the formalities were complete. She wanted to get a feel for who might have it in for Madeline.

Marc, for his part, was keeping a close watch on Madeline.

Periodically Casey would make sure to look around and check on the progress her team members were making. Everyone seemed to be gleaning something from their efforts. When her gaze found Emma, it took enormous restraint not to smile. Emma was busy chatting up the most stereotypical IT guy she could find in the group. He was tall, skinny and definitely dorky looking, with eyeglasses he kept shoving up on his nose and a tendency to blink furiously. Clearly he was awkward around people and, Casey suspected, far more at home hiding behind a computer monitor and a keyboard. On the other hand, he was over the moon about Emma’s interest in him, visibly entranced by her vivacious personality and her California-girl looks. As for Emma, she was standing close to him, head cocked as she hung on to his every word, asking question after question about his fascinating job. The more questions she asked, the more enthusiastic he got—and the more distracted.

Good girl, Casey thought. She’d been dead-on right to bring Emma here. If Emma ultimately accomplished her two goals, Forensic Instincts would have a clear shot at getting what they needed here.

The next step would be for Madeline to introduce Casey to Jacob Casper so that Casey could get an actual read on him. He represented the new regime, and talking to him was crucial, especially in light of how edgy the staff was around him, and how overall their dislike for him was. That could simply be the fear of losing their jobs, given that Casper was so pro-merger and would work hard to see the due diligence process succeed, or it could be more. As a necessary bonus, Casey would have Madeline introduce Emma to him—and put in a good word for her as a potential candy striper. That was going to have to happen fast to make Casey’s plan work.

Jacob Casper was a cut-to-the-chase kind of guy, solidly built and all about the bottom line. He was pleasant enough, but Casey could tell that affability didn’t come easily to him. He was trying to make people like him to ease his way, but doing that took a great effort on his part. His mind was on money, not relationship-building.

Casey let him chat with Madeline for a few minutes while she observed. Bottom line or not, he seemed genuinely saddened by Ronald Lexington’s passing and equally saddened by the effect it had had on Conrad.

“My greatest pleasure will be to see Conrad walk back through those doors and resume doing what he does best,” Casper told Madeline. “That man is a surgical genius.”

“I agree on both counts,” Madeline said.

So Casper was aware that Madeline and her ex-husband had an amicable relationship. Nice point of interest.

“Would chief of surgery still be in the cards for Conrad if he returned after the hospital merger goes through?” Casey asked.

Casper looked a little surprised that Casey was so plugged into the goings-on at the hospital. His eyes flickered from Casey to Madeline and back.

“I see that Madeline had filled you in on the offer that was on the table during the original negotiations,” he replied. “I don’t know how things will play out this time. But if I have any say, Conrad will be my first choice for the position.”

“If he’s up for it,” Madeline said softly.

“Yes, of course. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise,” Casper amended. His jaw tightened just a fraction. “I’d never put pressure on him. But I remain optimistic.”

“We all do.”

Casey noted the subtle change in Casper’s body language, and his quick response to Madeline’s qualification. It might mean nothing more than that the interim hospital administrator was stressed out by the time pressure involved in getting Conrad back before the high-level position was filled by someone else. Then again, it might mean more.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Casper,” Casey said, extending her hand.

“Please, call me Jacob.” He met Casey’s grasp, the tension easing from his body. “It was great meeting you, as well. I’ve heard and read so much about the Forensic Instincts team.” A smile. “You’re like the avengers of evil.”

Casey laughed. “I like that image. I’ll pass it on to the rest of the team.” She paused, just long enough for impact. “But today I’m here as a grateful former patient. Forensic Instincts would like to make a donation to the hospital. Can we wire it directly to the administrative office?”

Genuine gratitude flickered across Jacob Casper’s face. “That would be wonderful. We appreciate your generosity.”

“And we appreciate the health care services you provide.” Casey was ready to mingle with more of the crowd. She had no worries about leaving Madeline alone with Jacob. Casey could feel Marc’s presence nearby, and his trained gaze fixed on their client. Plus, she wanted to give Madeline time alone with Jacob so she could put in a good word for Emma as a potential—and immediate—candy striper. What better time than when FI had just pledged a nice donation to the hospital?

“I think I’ll get a cup of coffee.” Casey left the matter in Madeline’s hands. She knew what she had to do. “Madeline told me you’d be making a short speech in a few minutes. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Jacob replied.

Casey headed toward the beverage station, leaving Madeline to her task and filing away the conversation she’d just had for later analysis.

“How did things go with Jacob Casper?” Claire murmured, joining Casey at the coffee urn.

“Interesting. More later. How about you? Any strong energy?”

“A few individuals stand out. Especially when Madeline 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.”

8

“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.”

“That’s good to hear,” Nancy replied. “It was lovely to meet you.”

Not a word to or a glance at Madeline.

“Wow,” Casey murmured, giving a low whistle as she and Madeline retraced their steps. “That woman despises you. She bears looking into, as do her kids. Any other enemies you failed to mention?”

For the umpteenth time, Madeline searched the sea of faces.

“No one I can pick out,” she said truthfully. “If someone out there hates me, I don’t know about it.”

“Then that’s up to us to find out. In the meantime, let’s go meet Gilding, Wilton and Moss.”

* * *

Jacob Casper had separated himself from the crowd to scrutinize the scene between Nancy Lexington and Madeline Westfield. Now he scowled. This wasn’t a good sign.

He made his way over to Dr. Harold Majors, who was head of Manhattan Memorial’s psychiatric department.

“I was hoping this ceremony would appease her,” Jacob murmured, “but that doesn’t seem to be happening. I need to know how bad she is and how far she’d go to hurt the hospital.”

“As I’ve said, she’s not my patient, Jacob. All I can give you is an informal evaluation,” Majors replied.

“That’s all I need. Go over and chat with her. Figure out if she’s just stuck in the anger phase of mourning, or if she’s going off the deep end and becoming a major threat.”

Majors nodded. Waiting for the right time, he walked over to offer his condolences to Nancy Lexington.

* * *

Dr. Sharon Gilding was a piece of work, Casey noted. Attractive, blonde and as cold as her icy-blue eyes, she was in her mid-forties and reputed to be the best neurosurgeon in the hospital—and next in line for Conrad’s position if he weren’t able to fill it. She was also, like Conrad, a close friend of Ronald Lexington’s—although what he saw in her, Casey couldn’t fathom. No, that wasn’t true. If Ronald liked women as much as Casey had been hearing, then she could see him going after Sharon Gilding. Her looks were striking, and her figure was great. But her arrogance? Her haughtiness? Maybe Ronald liked a challenge.

Sharon Gilding’s arctic stare moved from Madeline to Casey as Madeline introduced them. Her eyes shot daggers at Madeline, but she inquired politely about her health, and then turned and shook Casey’s hand.

“I’ve seen news flashes about Forensic Instincts on TV,” she said. “Congratulations on your well-earned success.”

“Thank you.” Casey could feel Sharon’s dislike for Madeline even when she wasn’t addressing her. “From what I understand, neurosurgery is one of the most complex areas of medicine. You must be very talented.”

“My career is my life. And yes, I’m exceptional at what I do. The human brain is the most fascinating organ in the body. It controls every nerve and motor function.” A tight smile. “I could go on, but the complexity of it would probably bore you.”

Wow, did this woman come on strong. Then why did Casey sense that she was protecting herself in some way?

“I hear you’re second in line for chief of surgery.” Casey went for blunt and fast, wanting to see Sharon Gilding’s undisguised reaction. “What happens if Conrad Westfield comes back and accepts the job?”

Surprise mingled with something else shot across the neurosurgeon’s face. “Then I continue doing what I’m doing,” she responded, schooling her features. “Conrad is a genius in his field. He deserves the position as much as I do.”

“That’s very magnanimous of you.” Casey softened her words with a smile. “Clearly you respect talent in all areas of the medical field.”

“I do.”

“Were you and Ronald Lexington friends?”

Sharon’s shoulders lifted. “We were good colleagues. Ronald discussed administrative issues with me, and I kept him up to date on surgical issues. He was fascinated by every aspect of this hospital, medical or otherwise. I admired his commitment. So yes, we spent time together—as much time as I could spare.” She glanced at her watch. “Speaking of which, I really have to be going. I have to be in surgery in an hour.”

“Of course.” Casey nodded. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She was already walking away.

“That was interesting,” Casey murmured.

“Yes, Sharon is never one for diplomacy,” Madeline replied.

“She dislikes you.”

“She dislikes everyone.”

Casey stifled a grin. “Who’s next on the list?”

“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?”