No, she was home with her little girl, Beauchamp recalled. Julie had a cold. Intent on the last of his pie, he didnt see the look that suddenly came into Terrances eyes.
Julie. Shed named her daughter Julie. Was it a coincidence or had she deliberately named the child after his late mother? The two women had gotten close when hed been seeing Alix. Hed always had the suspicion that it was because Alix was hungry for a mothers affection. Her own mother had died when she was very young.
I didnt know she had a little girl, he said quietly to the other man.
Now that Im surprised about. Dr. DuCane does like to show off pictures of her daughter. Beauchamp pushed the empty plate away and looked at Terrance, studying the younger man. Are you two getting along?
Yes, Terrance assured him. Were getting along. As well as could be expected, he thought. I have no complaints.
Beauchamp seemed pleased. Good, good. Let me know if theres anything I can help you out with.
You already have, Terrance thought. But now it was time to get down to the crux of why he was here in the first place. I was just wondering, have I seen this Dr. Harris you mentioned?
Beauchamp shook his head. Ordinarily, Dr. Harris would be on now, but hes taken a few days off. Something about needing to catch a breather. Terrance thought he detected a note of disapproval in the jovial mans voice. Does most of his breathing in Las Vegas, I hear. At the blackjack tables. Beauchamp banished the slight purse of his lips. Never liked to gamble myself. I go with sure things. Like this hospital, Beauchamp said with no small pride. He seemed to make it his business to know the comings and goings of all the doctors on staff. To answer your question, though, Harris should be back tomorrow. He cocked his head, curious. Why?
Terrance shrugged carelessly. Just wondering what the man who ruffles Wandas feathers looked like.
Oh, he ruffles more feathers than just Wandas, but like I said, good will is worth a great deal and everyone likes the mans father. The senior Harris had preceded Beauchamp as chief of staff and was now chairman of Blairs board of trustees. Arthur Harris is one of the most respected doctors in the West.
Terrance merely nodded, as if all this was news to him. He couldnt help wondering what the man sitting opposite him would say if he knew Terrances real purpose for being here.
Terrance glanced at his watch. Id better get going. He rose, picking up his tray. I dont want to get on Dr. DuCanes bad side.
Beauchamp laughed. Good thinking.
Terrances afternoon was taken up by a man who came in complaining of chest pains which turned out to be a case of indigestion. Hed also had two cases of otitis media, the latter coming via a set of twins. It wasnt until almost three oclock before Terrance had a chance to catch up with Alix.
Why did you tell me you were married?
Alix made a notation on the chart of a girl whod come in with an ectopic pregnancy. Theyd had to rush her into surgery.
She didnt bother looking up. Because I am, she replied mildly.
He knew he should drop it, that he was only getting in deeper, but the fact that shed lied to him, or at least misled him, bothered him. It just wasnt like her. Doesnt being married require that there be two living people in the union?
She closed the chart and glared at him. Who told you?
He leaned against the side of the desk. Dr. Beauchamp likes to socialize over apple pie.
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.Купить и читать книгу
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.