“How so?”
“It’s a long story,” Laurie said evasively. Then she pointed to one of the names on her list. “Here’s a case you might find interesting: Donald Nodelman. The diagnosis is unknown infectious disease.”
“That would certainly be better than an overdose,” Jack said.
“Not in my book,” Laurie said. “But it’s yours if you want it. Personally I don’t care for infectious disease cases, never have and never will. When I did the external exam earlier, it gave me the creeps. Whatever it was, it was an aggressive bug. He’s got extensive subcutaneous bleeding.”
“Unknowns can be a challenge,” Jack said. He picked up the Folder. “I’ll be glad to do the case. Did he die at home or in an institution?”
“He was in a hospital,” Laurie said. “He was brought in From the Manhattan General. But infectious disease wasn’t his admitting diagnosis. He’d been admitted for diabetes.”
“It’s my recollection that the Manhattan General is an AmeriCare hospital,” Jack said. “Is that true?”
“I think so,” Laurie said. “Why do you ask?”
“Because it might make this case personally rewarding,” Jack said. “Maybe I’ll be lucky enough for the diagnosis to be something like Legionaries’ disease. I couldn’t think of anything more enjoyable than giving AmeriCare heartburn. I’d love to see that corporation squirm.”
“Why’s that?” Laurie asked.
“It’s a long story,” Jack said with an impish smile. “One of these days we should have a drink and you can tell me about your overdoses and I’ll tell you about me and AmeriCare.”
Laurie didn’t know if Jack’s invitation was sincere or not. She didn’t know much about Jack Stapleton beyond his work at the medical examiner’s office; her understanding was that no one else did either. Jack was a superb forensic pathologist, despite the fact that he’d only recently finished his training. But he didn’t socialize much, and he was never very personally revealing in his small talk. All Laurie knew was that he was forty-one, unmarried, entertainingly flippant, and came from the Midwest.
“I’ll let you know what I find,” Jack said as he headed toward the communications room.
“Jack, excuse me,” Laurie called out.
Jack stopped and turned around.
“Would you mind I gave you a bit of advice,” she said hesitantly. She was speaking impulsively. It wasn’t like her, but she appreciated Jack and hoped that he would be working there for some time.
Jack’s impish smile returned. He stepped back to the desk. “By all means,” he said.
“I’m probably speaking out of turn,” Laurie said.
“Quite the contrary,” Jack said. “I honor your opinion. What’s on your mind?”
“Just that you and Calvin Washington have been at odds,” Laurie said. “I know it’s just a clash of personalities, but Calvin has had a long-standing relationship with the Manhattan General, as AmeriCare does with the mayor’s office. I think you should be careful.”
“Being careful hasn’t been one of my strong points for five years,” Jack said. “I have utmost respect for the deputy chief. Our only disagreement is that he believes rules to be carved in stone while I see them as guidelines. As for AmeriCare, I don’t care for their goals or methods.”
“Well, it’s not my business,” Laurie said. “But Calvin keeps saying he doesn’t see you as a team player.”
“He’s got a point there,” Jack said. “The problem is that I’ve developed an aversion to mediocrity. I’m honored to work with most people around here, especially you. However, there are a few whom I can’t deal with, and I don’t hide it. It’s as simple as that.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Laurie said.
“It was meant as one,” Jack said.
“Well, let me know what you find on Nodelman,” Laurie said. “Then I’ll have at least one more case for you to do.”
“My pleasure,” Jack said. He turned and headed for the communications room. As he walked past Vinnie, he snatched away his paper.
“Come on, Vinnie,” Jack said. “We’re going to get a jump on the day.”
Vinnie complained but followed. While trying to retrieve his paper he collided with Jack, who had abruptly stopped outside of Janice Jaeger’s office. Janice was one of the forensic investigators, frequently referred to as PAs or physician’s assistants. Her tour of duty was the graveyard shift, from eleven to seven. Jack was surprised to find her still in her office. A petite woman with dark hair and dark eyes, she was obviously tired.