Thomas said nothing about her appearance. In fact he said nothing at all.
He drove the way he had coming from the hospital, recklessly and fast. She wished he had a close friend she could go to someone who really cared for him, but in truth he didn’t have many friends at all. For a moment she was reminded of her last meeting with Colonel Bentworth. Then she caught her breath. Identifying with Maureen Kavenaugh was one thing, but comparing her husband to a borderline personality was ridiculous. Cassi turned her attention to the window to keep from thinking and tried to see through the moisture. It was a dark, forbidding night.
The Ballantines’ house fronted on the ocean, just like Thomas’s. But that was where the similarities ended. The Ballantines’ home was a large, stone mansion and had been in the family for a hundred years. In order to maintain the house, Dr. Ballantine had sold off some of the land to a developer, but since the original plot was so large, no other house could be seen from the main building. It gave the impression of being in the country.
As they got out of the car, Cassi noticed that Thomas had a slight tremor.
His coordination seemed slightly off as they mounted the front steps. Oh God, what had he taken?
Thomas’s demeanor changed as soon as he joined the party. Cassi watched with amazement, although she knew how easily he could abandon an angry mood and become charming and animated. If only he would still expend some of that charm on her. Deciding it was safe to leave him, Cassi began to look for the food. Having given herself her evening insulin, she shouldn’t wait too long before eating. The dining room was to the right, and she made her way over to the arched entrance.
Thomas was pleased. As he’d expected, most of the hospital trustees and the deans of the medical school were at the party. He’d seen them over the shoulders of the small group of people he’d joined when first arriving. He was particularly interested in finding the chairman of the board. Picking up a fresh drink, he began to make his way through the crowd toward the men when Ballantine came over to him.
“Ah, there you are Thomas.” Ballantine had been drinking heavily, and the circles under his eyes were pronounced, giving him more the appearance of a Basset hound than usual. “Glad that you could make it.”
“Wonderful party,” said Thomas.
“You better believe it,” said Ballantine with a forceful wink. “Things are really happening at the old Boston Memorial. God, it’s exciting.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Thomas, backing up a step. Dr. Ballantine had a habit of spitting when he pronounced “Ts” after he’d had a few drinks.
Ballantine stepped closer. “I’d like to tell you, but I can’t,” he whispered. “But maybe soon, and I think you should join us. Have you given any thought to my offer of full professorship?”
Thomas felt his patience evaporate. He didn’t want to hear about joining the full-time staff. He had no idea what Ballantine was referring to when Ballantine said, “Things are really happening.” But Thomas didn’t like the sound of it. As far as he was concerned, any change in the status quo was worrisome. He suddenly recalled seeing Ballantine’s office light blazing at 2:00 A.M.
“What were you doing in your office so late last night?”
Ballantine’s happy face clouded. “Why do you ask?”
“Just curiosity,” said Thomas.
“That’s a strange question just coming outta the blue,” said Dr. Ballantine.
“I was in surgery last night. I saw your office light from the lounge.”
“Must have been cleaning people,” said Ballantine. He raised his glass and stared at it. “Looks like I need a refill.”
“I also saw George Sherman’s car in the garage,” said Thomas. “It seemed an odd coincidence.”
“Ah,” said Ballantine, with a wave of his hand. “George’s been having trouble with that car for a month. Something with the electrical system. Can I get you another drink? You’re as low as I.”
“Why not?” said Thomas. He was sure Ballantine was lying. The moment the chief edged toward the bar, Thomas recommenced his search for the chairman. It was more important than ever to find out what was going on at the Memorial.