Marissa eyed the building from across the street. It was hardly a hospitable sight, and for a moment she had second thoughts about visiting Dr. Krause. But safely ensconced in her new room at the Essex House that afternoon, she’d made some calls and learned that he was a prominent Park Avenue internist. She could not imagine that he would be capable of harming her directly. Perhaps through an organization like PAC, but not with his own two hands.
She crossed the street and climbed the front steps. Casting one last glance up and down the quiet street, she rang the bell. Behind the gate was the heavy wooden door, its center decorated with a family crest carved in relief.
She waited a minute and rang again. All at once a bright light went on, blinding her so that she could not see who was opening the door.
“Yes?” said a woman’s voice.
“I would like to see Dr. Krause,” said Marissa, trying to sound authoritative.
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No,” admitted Marissa. “But tell the doctor that I’m here on emergency Physicians’ Action Congress business. I think he’ll see me.
Marissa heard the door close. The hard light illuminated most of the street. After a couple of minutes, the door was reopened.
“The doctor will see you.” Then there was the painful sound of the iron gate opening on hinges that needed oil.
Marissa went inside, relieved to get away from the glare. She watched the woman, who was dressed in a maid’s black uniform, close the gate, then come toward her.
“If you’ll follow me, please.”
Marissa was led through a marbled and chandeliered entrance, down a short corridor to a paneled library.
“If you’ll wait here,” said the woman, “the doctor will be with you shortly.”
Marissa glanced around the room, which was beautifully furnished with antiques. Bookcases lined three of the walls.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” said a mellow voice.
Marissa turned to look at Dr. Krause. He had a fleshy face with deep lines, and as he gestured for her to sit, she noticed his hands were unusually large and square, like those of an immigrant laborer. When they were sitting, she could see him better. The eyes were those of an intelligent, sympathetic man, reminding her of some of her internal medicine professors. Marissa was amazed that he could have gotten mixed up in something like the Physicians’ Action Congress.
“I’m sorry to bother you at such an hour,” she began.
“No problem,” said Dr. Krause. “I was just reading. What can I do for you?”
Marissa leaned forward to watch the man’s face. “My name is Dr. Marissa Blumenthal.”
There was a pause as Dr. Krause waited for Marissa to continue. His expression did not change. Either he was a good actor or her name was not familiar.
“I’m an Epidemiology Intelligence Service officer at the CDC,” added Marissa. His eyes narrowed just a tad.
“My maid said that you were here on PAC business,” said Dr. Krause, a measure of the hospitality disappearing from his voice.
“I am,” said Marissa. “Perhaps I should ask if you are aware of anything that PAC might be doing that could concern the CDC.”
This time, Krause’s jaw visibly tightened. He took a deep breath, started to speak, then changed his mind. Marissa waited as if she had all the time in the world.
Finally, Dr. Krause cleared his throat. “PAC is trying to rescue American medicine from the economic forces that are trying to destroy it. That’s been its goal from the start.”
“A noble goal,” admitted Marissa. “But how is PAC attempting to accomplish this mission?”
“By backing responsible and sensible legislation,” said Dr. Krause.
He stood up, presumably to escape Marissa’s stare. “PAC is providing an opportunity for more conservative elements to exert some influence. And it’s about time; the profession of medicine is like a runaway train.” He moved over to the fireplace, his face lost in shadow.
“Unfortunately, it seems PAC is doing more than sponsoring legislation,” said Marissa. “That’s what concerns the CDC.”
“I think we have nothing more to discuss,” said Dr. Krause. “If you’ll excuse me-”
“I believe PAC is responsible for the Ebola outbreaks,” blurted Marissa, standing up herself. “You people have some misguided idea that spreading disease in HMOs will further your cause.”