“You can’t have it both ways, Gus. It looks like your case just went up in smoke. Let’s save you any further embarrassment, shall we? I’m going to grant a dismissal on the murder charge. Any objection?”
There was a long silence. Finally, Venable nodded. “I guess not.”
Judge Young said, “Good decision. I’m going to give you some advice. Never, never call a witness unless you know what he’s going to say.”
The court was in session again. Judge Young said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, thank you for your time and your patience. The court is going to grant a dismissal on all charges. The defendant is free.”
Paige turned to blow Jason a kiss, then hurried over to where Dr. Barker was seated. She slid down to her knees and hugged him.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” she whispered.
“You never should have gotten into this mess in the first place,” he growled. “Damned fool thing to do. Let’s get out of here and go somewhere where we can talk.”
Judge Young heard. She stood up and said, ‘You may use my chambers if you like. That’s the least we can do for you.”
Paige, Jason, and Dr. Barker were in the judge’s chambers, alone.
Dr. Barker said, “Sorry they wouldn’t let me come here to help you sooner. You know what goddam doctors are like.”
Paige was near tears. “I can’t tell you how much I…”
“Then don’t!” he said gruffly.
Paige was studying him, suddenly remembering something. “When did you speak to John Cronin?”
“What?”
“You heard me. When did you speak to John Cronin?”
“When?”
She said slowly, “You never even met John Cronin. You didn’t know him.”
There was the trace of a smile on Barker’s lips. “No. But I know you.”
Paige leaned over and threw her arms around him.
“Don’t get sloppy,” he growled. He looked over at Jason. “She gets sloppy sometimes. You’d better take good care of her, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
Jason said. “Don’t worry, sir. I will.”
Paige and Jason were married the following day. Dr. Barker was their best man.
Epilogue
Paige Curtis went into private practice and is affiliated with the prestigious North Shore Hospital. Paige used the million dollars John Cronin left her to set up a medical foundation in her father’s name in Africa.
Lawrence Barker shares an office with Paige, as a surgical consultant.
Arthur Kane had his license revoked by the Medical Board of California.
Jimmy Ford fully recovered and married Betsy. They named their first daughter Paige.
Honey Taft moved to Ireland with Sean Reilly, and works as a nurse in Dublin.
Sean Reilly is a successful artist, and shows no symptoms of AIDS, as yet.
Mike Hunter was sentenced to state prison for armed robbery and is still serving time.
Alfred Turner joined a practice on Park Avenue and is enormously successful.
Benjamin Wallace was fired as administrator of Embarcadero County Hospital.
Lauren Harrison married her tennis pro.
Lou Dinetto was sentenced to fifteen years in the penitentiary for tax evasion.
Ken Mallory was sentenced to life imprisonment. One week after Dinetto arrived at the penitentiary, Mallory was found stabbed to death in his cell.
The Embarcadero Hospital is still there, awaiting the next earthquake.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author wishes to express his deep appreciation to the many doctors, nurses, and medical technicians who were generous enough to share their expertise with him.
Praise
What cannot be cured with medicaments is cured by the knife, what the knife cannot cure is cured with the searing iron, and whatever this cannot cure must be considered incurable.
—HIPPOCRATES, CIRCA 480 B.C.
There are three classes of human beings: men, women, and women physicians.
—SIR WILLIAM OSLER
Books by Sidney Sheldon
NOTHING LASTS FOREVER
THE STARS SHINE DOWN
THE DOOMSDAY CONSPIRACY
MEMORIES OF MIDNIGHT
THE SANDS OF TIME
WINDMILLS OF THE GODS
IF TOMORROW COMES
MASTER OF THE GAME
RAGE OF ANGELS
BLOODLINE
A STRANGER IN THE MIRROR
THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT
THE NAKED FACE