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an unwanted visitor in the E.R. this morning.”
    “Which time?”
    “The reporter,” she said curiously. “Why, were there more?”
    “Yes, we had a couple of reporters lurking around. One tried taking pictures of the E.R. and the other was interviewing people in the waiting area.”
    “I hope you didn’t throw them out physically.”
    “Not exactly, but the thought had crossed my mind.” She looked at him sternly. “No, of course we didn’t throw them out. They were asked to leave nicely. One decided to cause some trouble—make a scene. We handled it.”
    “And the other?”
    “She left quietly.”
    “Good. Damn, I wish they’d leave us alone.”
    Dominik shook his head. “I don’t think that’s gonna happen anytime soon. The story is too juicy. The hospital’s chief E.R. director named in three medical malpractice suits is too scandalous to pass up.”
    “Apparently,” she said, sitting back down. “My phone’s been ringing off the hook with reporters asking for interviews and comments. And the damn lawyers can’t do anything about it—freedom of speech, who needs it? But enough of that. I called you in this morning because we need your help.”
    “Sure. What can I do?”
    “As I mentioned, the Cura Medical Group will be sending their consultant in to review us for the next few weeks. They’re going to be observing the E.R. specifically.”
    Dominik shook his head. This was the last thing he needed—an interfering bureaucrat nosing around asking questions all day. It was a waste of time. “Margaret...”
    “I’m also going to need you to be very hands-on with them.”
    This was so not what he wanted—to babysit some corporate hatchet. “Margaret...”
    “Dominik, I know your feelings about this buyout. I understand your concerns and I even agree with some of them. I also know that I don’t have to tell you how important this is to the medical center. We need this to go well. As you know, according to an inside source at Cura, we haven’t fared too well so far. And this malpractice thing with Bowman is only making matters worse.”
    “That’s ridiculous. This medical center is one of the best in the state. What we lack in funding we more than make up for in heart and dedication.”
    “Heart and dedication don’t pay the bills, my friend. Anyway, be that as it may, we need to make a good impression and I need you on your top game. They’re going to be in your department. So, charm them, wow them, woo them. I don’t care what you do. Just make it happen.”
    “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were pimping me out.”
    “If that works, fine. You have my blessing.”
    “I’ll tell you what—I’ll do my job as always. But you know my feelings about the Cura Group.” His cell phone beeped. He checked the message and stood up. “I gotta go. Are we done?”
    “Yes,” she said, “and, Dominik, remember, we need this. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome. Have a good one.” He walked out.

Chapter 3
    Shauna walked into the hospital E.R. for the second time that day. Now she was there officially. Just as she’d done ten hours earlier, she stood in line and listened for a few minutes, then stepped aside and looked for a seat. But unlike before, this time she sat closer to the check-in desk, knowing she’d see and hear everything going on. After sitting, she looked around cautiously. Lindy wasn’t there and hopefully no one else would bother her as she watched, listened and did her job.
    It wasn’t exactly voyeurism. It was just paying very close attention. She saw everything. It was her job to be observant. The waiting room’s wide-open space afforded her the perfect view as pain and suffering continued all around her. A small child wept in his mother’s arms. She rocked slowly, hoping to ease what anguish she could. An old man coughed and held a dirty, crumpled handkerchief to his mouth. Two other people sat anxiously waiting to be called, one nauseous and the other