Chapter 2

"Dr. Lester, please wait! The former director's daughter insists on meeting you in person no matter what!"

Neville was now blocking my car directly, looking like he'd fight to the death to stop me.

"Chris?"

"You know her?"

Of course I did.

Wright's wife, Director Anderson's only daughter.

Twenty years ago she was still a student, throwing her weight around the hospital because of her father's position.

"No, I've just heard the name."

Neville sighed. "This patient's son Wright is Chris's husband. He's also our state's neurosurgery... well, associate chief physician."

He chose his words carefully, speaking to me with great caution.

"Dr. Lester, I know you must have your reasons. But if this blows up, it won't be good for either of us. How about you don't leave yet, and let the family come meet you first?"

"I don't need to talk anymore."

"Dr. Lester!"

Neville was getting desperate now, leaning right up to my car window.

"Dr. Lester, please listen. Chris and Director Wright's family has excellent background and resources. Whatever concerns or conditions you have, you can state them. I'm sure they'll do their best to accommodate you. But if I let you leave without a word today, whether it's you or me, we'll both have considerable trouble."

"Just consider it helping me out. Even if you just meet with the Anderson family and Director Wright once!"

"Neville, I won't take the case. Just report it up the chain. The hospital will coordinate another expert. Wouldn't that be faster?"

He gave a bitter smile.

"You're the top-ranked expert. If you refuse, the people after you won't dare take it either."

I was about to reassure him when my phone rang.

"Hello, is this Lester?"

An unfamiliar female voice, but I didn't need an introduction to know who it was.

"I'm the patient's daughter-in-law, Chris. I heard you refused to perform surgery on my father-in-law. I'd like to speak with you in person. Are you available tomorrow morning?"

I struggled to suppress my emotions. When I didn't speak, she continued.

"Whatever you're thinking, you looked at the file and left without any explanation. That doesn't exactly follow protocol. Let's meet?"

"I'll submit written documentation in a timely manner."

"Isn't meeting faster than you submitting documentation? What is it you don't dare discuss in person?"

Chris's tone was starting to carry anger. She thought I was just putting on airs.

"Fine. I'll come to the hospital again tomorrow."

My tone returned to calm. Perhaps it was time to settle certain things.

"Good. My husband Director Wright and I will both come tomorrow."

"No problem."

Neville finally breathed a sigh of relief when I agreed.

"Dr. Lester, see you tomorrow then!"

He bowed slightly, then turned and left.

I sat back down and glanced at Carlos.

"Cancel the flight. I'm not leaving."