“At the time we suggested that Christine take over for Joy,” says David, “we didn’t know she was a crazy person.”
“Did you at least check her references?” asks Michael.
“We didn’t have time,” says David defensively. “Joy Kochman had to go.”
“Why?”
“She became a problem, okay? You weren’t here, Michael …”
“And you were.” Michael rolls his eyes like he’s heard that a million times.
“Michael’s right, David,” says Judith. “We should’ve done a thorough background check. Especially since her last patient, Mrs. Crabtree, also ended up dead.”
Well, duh, I feel like saying.
The lady was old. That’s what happens. But I don’t say a word. Neither does Ceepak. Sometimes eavesdropping on one of these family squabbles can give you all sorts of useful information.
“Oh, my,” says Michael with a mock gasp and a fluttering Southern Belle hand over his heart. “Her previous patient died, too? Is Christine Lemonopolous a serial killer? An Angel of Death like that nurse over in England who killed four patients? We based an episode of ‘Crime And Punishment’ on him. Best ratings of the season.”
“Well, now you can do a new show,” snips Judith, refilling her wine. “All about a nurse who gets away with murder because she has friends in the police department who’ll do anything to protect her no matter how many clients she attacks or elderly invalids she bumps off.”
And now Ceepak has heard enough.
“We are sorry to bring you this news while you are in mourning.”
Michael gestures toward the gift basket again. “You sure you don’t want apple cake?”
“No, thank you,” says Ceepak.
I shake my head. “I’m good.”
“However,” says Ceepak, “we must request that none of you leave Sea Haven for the next several days as we attempt to ascertain who it was that murdered Dr. Rosen.”
“What?” says Judith. “Surely you don’t suspect one of us.”
“Calm down,” says David reaching over to give his wife baby pats on her dimpled knee.
Judith recoils from her husband’s touch. “Don’t you dare tell me to calm down, David.”
“I’m just saying …”
“I heard what you said. You said ‘calm down.’”