“So it wasn’t like the last case?” asked Thomas.
“No,” said Cassi. “But Robert thinks the situations are related.” Purposely she kept her own role in the discussion secret. “Most of the patients, particularly over the last several years, have died after their acute postoperative course was over. One point that occurred to Robert today was that all the patients may have been on IV when they died. He’s checking on that now. It could be significant.”
“Why? Does Robert think these deaths could be suspicious?” asked Thomas with shock.
“I guess it’s occurred to him,” said Cassi. “After all, there was a case in New Jersey where a series of patients were given something like curate.”
“That’s true, but they all died with the same symptoms.”
“Well,” said Cassi. “I guess Robert feels that he has to consider all possibilities. I know it sounds awful and it certainly accentuates any insecurities Robert has about his own imminent surgery.” Cassi was hoping to shift the topic to her own operation.
“What kind of surgery is Robert going to have?”
“He’s finally having his impacted wisdom teeth removed. Since he had rheumatic heart disease as a child, he has to be treated with prophylactic antibiotics.”
“He’d be a fool not to,” agreed Thomas. “Although he must have suicidal tendencies. That’s the only way I can explain his behavior at that death conference. Cassi, I want you to be sure to stay away from this so-called SSD study, especially if there are going to be ludicrous accusations. With everything else going on, I certainly don’t need that kind of grief.”
Cassi watched the cars in front as the Porsche relentlessly passed them. The monotonous movement of the windshield wipers mesmerized her as she tried to find the courage to broach her own operation. She’d promised herself she’d start speaking as soon as they came abreast of that yellow car. But the yellow car soon dropped behind them. Then it was the bus. But they’d passed that, too, and still Cassi remained silent. She gave up in despair, hoping that Thomas would bring up the subject himself.
The tension exhausted her. The idea of Ballantine’s party seemed less and less attractive. She had trouble understanding why Thomas, of all people, wanted to go. He hated hospital affairs. The idea occurred to Cassi that maybe he was going for her benefit. If that were the case, it was ridiculous. All Cassi could think about was clean sheets and their comfortable bed. She decided she’d say something when they got to the next overpass.
“Do you really want to go to this party tonight?” asked Cassi hesitantly as an overpass flashed above them.
“Why do you ask?” Thomas pulled the car sharply to the right, then gunned the engine to pass a car that had ignored his blinking high beam.
“If you’re going for me,” said Cassi, “I’m exhausted. I’d much rather stay home.”
“Goddammit,” shouted Thomas, banging the steering wheel. “Must you always think only of yourself?. I told you weeks ago that the board of directors and the deans of the medical school are going to be there. Something strange is going on in the hospital that they are not telling me. But I don’t suppose you think that’s important?”
As Thomas reddened with anger, Cassi sank in her seat. She had a feeling that no matter what she said, it would only make matters worse.
Thomas lapsed into a sullen silence. He drove even more recklessly, taking the car up to ninety as they crossed the salt marshes. Despite the seat belt, Cassi found herself being thrown from side to side as the car rounded the sharp bends. She was relieved when he began to down shift before turning into their driveway.
By the time they got to the front door, Cassi had become resigned about the party. She apologized for not understanding its implications and added gently, “You look tired yourself.”
“Thanks! I appreciate your vote of confidence,” said Thomas sarcastically. He started for the stairs.
“Thomas,” called Cassi desperately. She could tell he’d interpreted her concern as an insult. “Does it have to be like this?”
“I think this is the way you want it.”