The Silence That Speaks

Her tone and expression were concerned. She did shoot a curious glance at Casey, but that was to be expected. Janet was a woman who knew everyone in her hospital, and Casey was not one of those people.

“I’m on the mend,” Madeline was replying with a small smile. Actually, Casey noted, Madeline looked as though her energy level was fading. Just this one meeting, then Casey was taking her home.

“Thank you again for the beautiful floral arrangement,” Madeline continued. “Just looking at all those vivid colors made lying on the sofa, doing nothing, more pleasant.”

“I’m so glad you liked them,” Janet replied. “I wish I could have done more.”

“It’s not necessary. I’m really fine.” Having caught Janet’s second questioning glance in Casey’s direction, Madeline turned and made the introductions.

“No wonder you look familiar.” Janet was visibly impressed as she shook Casey’s hand. “Your picture’s been in the newspapers and on TV. Your investigative firm—Forensic Instincts, right?—has been in the limelight. Wow. It’s good to meet you.”

“Good to meet you, too.” Casey smiled. “I hear you hold the administrative wing of the hospital together.”

Janet chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I’ve been in the administrative wing for nineteen years. Before that, I did clerical work for four different departments in the hospital. I hate to say it because it ages me, but I’ve worked at Manhattan Memorial for twenty-six years.” A teasing grin. “Since I was twelve.”

Casey laughed with her. “Well, if it matters, you certainly don’t look old enough to have worked anywhere for that long.”

“Makeup is magic.”

“How true.” Casey was ready to get down to business. “Jacob Casper seems, in a very short time, to have a firm grip on his job and on the upcoming merger. That’s pretty impressive, considering the big shoes he had to fill. You worked for both him and Ronald Lexington. Is there a big difference in their styles?”

Janet looked a little wary, as well she should. Casey was asking an inside question.

“They each have their own strengths,” she answered diplomatically. “Jacob is the hospital’s future. But Ronald cared equally as much. Both men are and were totally committed to their jobs and powerful advocates for the hospital.” She steered the conversation to safer ground. “I do have a soft spot for Ronald. He gave my daughter a job here. She had several offers, but selfishly, I love having her close by.”

“I don’t think I met your daughter,” Casey replied.

“She’s over there.” Janet pointed at the group Madeline had been chatting with earlier. “Diana.”

“Oh.” Casey remembered the pretty young woman. Madeline had said she was a fairly new hire, and afraid of losing her job once the merger was finalized.

“She’s a circulating nurse,” Janet said. “She graduated at the top of her class, specialized in surgical nursing and then earned her registered nurse license and her operating-room nurse certification at a ridiculously young age. Ronald hired her about six months before he passed away. He felt strongly about that decision—even more so as Diana proved herself. Jacob feels the same way. Diana is a very talented young woman—and I’m not just saying that because she’s my daughter.”

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