“Chet McGovern suggested as much,” Jack said. “But I was more concerned about getting the word out. Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially if we’re looking at a potential epidemic.”
There was a moment of silence while Bingham considered Jack’s statement, which he had to admit contained a modicum of validity. “The second thing I wanted to discuss was your visit to the Manhattan General. Frankly, your decision to do this surprises me. During your orientation I know you were told that our policy is to rely on our excellent PAs to do site work. You do remember that, don’t you?”
“Certainly I remember,” Jack said. “But I felt that the appearance of plague was unique enough to demand a unique response. Besides, I was curious.”
“Curious!” Bingham blurted out. He momentarily lost control. “That’s the lamest excuse for ignoring established policy I’ve heard in years.”
“Well, there was more,” Jack admitted. “Knowing the General was an AmeriCare hospital, I wanted to go over there and rub it in a little. I’m not fond of AmeriCare.”
“What in heaven’s name do you have against AmeriCare?” Bingham asked.
“It’s a personal thing,” Jack said.
“Would you care to elaborate?” Bingham asked.
“I’d rather not,” Jack said. “It’s a long story.”
“Suit yourself,” Bingham said irritably. “But I’m not going to tolerate your going over there flashing your medical examiner badge for some personal vendetta. That’s an egregious misuse of official authority.”
“I thought our mandate was to get involved in anything that could affect public health,” Jack said. “Certainly a case of plague falls under that rubric.”
“Indeed,” Bingham pronounced. “But you had already alerted the Commissioner of Health. She in turn alerted the City Board of Health, who immediately dispatched the chief epidemiologist. You had no business being over there, much less causing trouble.”
“What kind of trouble did I cause?” Jack asked.
“You managed to irritate hell out of both the administrator and the city epidemiologist,” Bingham roared. “Both of them were mad enough to lodge official complaints. The administrator called the mayor’s office, and the epidemiologist called the commissioner. Both of these public servants can be considered my boss, and neither one of them was pleased, and both of them let me know about it.”
“I was just trying to be helpful,” Jack said innocently.
“Well, do me a favor and don’t try to be helpful,” Bingham snapped. “Instead I want you to stay around here where you belong and do the work you were hired to do. Calvin informed me that you have a lot of cases pending.”
“Is that it?” Jack asked when Bingham paused.
“For now,” Bingham said.
Jack got up and headed for the door.
“One last thing,” Bingham said. “Remember that you are on probation for the first year.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Jack said.
Leaving Bingham’s office, Jack passed Mrs. Sanford and went directly across to Calvin Washington’s office. The door was ajar. Calvin was busy at his microscope.
“Excuse me,” Jack called out. “I understand you were looking for me.”
Calvin turned around and eyed Jack. “Have you been in to see the chief yet?” he growled.
“Just came from there,” Jack said. “It’s reassuring to be in such demand around here.”
“Dispense with your smartass talk,” Calvin said. “What did Dr. Bingham say?”
Jack told Calvin what had been said and that Bingham had concluded by reminding him that he was on probation.
“Damn straight,” Calvin said. “I think you’d better shape up or you’ll be out looking for work.”
“Meanwhile I have one request,” Jack said.
“What is it?” Calvin asked.
“How about that ten dollars you owe me,” Jack said.
Calvin stared back at Jack, amazed that under the circumstances Jack had the gall to ask for the money. Finally Calvin rolled to the side in his seat, withdrew his wallet, and pulled out a ten-dollar bill.
“I’ll get this back,” Calvin vowed.
“Sure you will,” Jack said as he took the bill.
With the money comfortably in his pocket, Jack returned upstairs to his office. As he entered he was surprised to find Laurie leaning against Chet’s desk. Both she and Chet looked at Jack with expectant concern. “Well?” Chet questioned.