“Come in!” Caldwell said with enthusiasm. “Please! All of you.” He quickly got more chairs.
David looked at Angela for guidance. Angela shrugged. If Caldwell wanted to interview the whole family, it was fine with her.
After brief introductions, Caldwell was back behind his desk with Angela’s folder in front of him. “I’ve been over your application, and I have to tell you I am indeed impressed,” he said.
“Thank you,” Angela said.
“Frankly, I didn’t expect a woman pathologist,” Caldwell said. “Subsequently I’ve learned it’s a field that is appealing to more and more women.”
“The hours tend to be more predictable,” Angela said. “It makes the practice of medicine and having a family more compatible.” She studied the man. His comment made her slightly uncomfortable, but she was willing to withhold judgment.
“From your letters of recommendation I have the feeling that the department of pathology at the Boston City Hospital thinks you have been one of their brightest residents.”
Angela smiled. “I’ve tried to do my best.”
“And your transcript from Columbia’s medical school is equally impressive,” Caldwell said. “Consequently, we would like to have you here at Bartlet Community Hospital. It’s as simple as that. But perhaps you have some questions for me.”
“David has also applied for a job in Bartlet,” Angela said. “It’s with one of the major health maintenance organizations in the area: Comprehensive Medical Vermont.”
“We call it CMV,” Caldwell said. “And it’s the only HMO in the area.”
“I indicated in my letter that my availability is contingent on his acceptance,” Angela said. “And vice versa.”
“I’m well aware of that,” Caldwell said. “In fact I took the liberty of contacting CMV and talking about David’s application with the regional manager, Charles Kelley. CMV’s regional office is right here in our professional building. Of course I cannot speak for them officially, but it is my understanding there is no problem whatsoever.”
“I’m to meet with Mr. Kelley as soon as we’re through here,” David said.
“Perfect,” Caldwell said. “So, Dr. Wilson, the hospital would like to offer you a position as associate pathologist. You’ll join two other full-time pathologists. Your first year’s compensation will be eighty-two thousand dollars.”
When Caldwell looked down at the folder on his desk, Angela looked David’s way. Eighty-two thousand dollars sounded like a fortune after so many years of burdensome debt and meager income. David flashed her a conspiratorial smile in return, obviously sharing her thoughts.
“I also have some information in response to your query letter,” Caldwell said. He hesitated, then added: “Perhaps this is something we should talk about privately.”
“It’s not necessary,” Angela said. “I assume you are referring to Nikki’s cystic fibrosis. She’s an active participant in her care, so there are no secrets.”
“Very well,” Caldwell said. He smiled meekly at Nikki before continuing. “I found out that there is a patient with that condition here in Bartlet. Her name is Caroline Helmsford. She’s nine years old. I’ve arranged for you to meet with her doctor, Dr. Bertrand Pilsner. He’s one of CMV’s pediatricians.”
“Thank you for making such an effort,” Angela said.
“No problem,” Caldwell said. “Obviously we want you folks to come here to our delightful town. But I must confess that I didn’t read up on the condition when I made the inquiries. Perhaps there is something I should know in order to be of more assistance.”
Angela looked at Nikki. “Why don’t you explain to Mr. Caldwell what cystic fibrosis is.”
“Cystic fibrosis is an inherited problem,” Nikki said in a serious and practiced tone. “When both parents are carriers there is a twenty-five percent chance a child will have the condition. About one in every two thousand babies is affected.”
Caldwell nodded and tried to maintain his smile. There was something unnerving about getting a lecture from an eight-year-old.
“The main problem is with the respiratory system,” Nikki continued. “The mucus in the lungs is thicker than in the lungs of normal people. The lungs have difficulty clearing the thicker mucus which leads to congestion and infection. Chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are the big worries. The condition is quite variable: some people are severely affected; others, like me, just have to be careful not to catch colds and do our respiratory therapy.”