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number of ‘mistakes’ when they’re using it?”
    “No. There have been a few random errors in Pyxis, but nothing unusual. The mistakes were all made by different people and were all successfully resolved.”
    “How much medicine is missing?” asked Mallory. “It seems to me that a small amount would suggest someone is stealing it for personal consumption, whereas the theft of large quantities would be more suggestive of someone turning around and selling it.”
    “It’s impossible to say for sure. I would guess not much, but I really don’t know.”
    Mallory pondered for a minute. “Who is familiar with the drug inventory recordkeeping? Is there someone who can explain how the hospice’s equipment and processes are used in conjunction to track drugs? I need to become familiar with the end-to-end process controls that are used to try to prevent theft.”
    “Hmmmm…William Cline, my manager, would be a good place to start. As I mentioned, he’s the person who initiated this investigation. He oversees all the Stokely properties, not just this hospice.”
    “Stokely?”
    “Stokely is the company that owns Serenity Hospice.”
    “I see. What other properties does Stokely own?” asked Mallory.
    “They own another hospice near Arlington and three hospitals in the greater DC metro area, including Stokely Memorial just down the street.”
    “Got it. And William Cline oversees the process controls for all the properties?”
    “Yes.”
    “Okay—it sounds like he’s the person I need to speak with next. Could you introduce me to him?”
    “Of course,” replied Nancy. “I’ll phone to let him know we’re on the way.”
    “We’ll be able to meet now?”
    “I think so. He’s usually booked solid, but he’s pretty good about clearing his calendar when something important pops up. And this is definitely one of those times. He told me to let him know if he can help, so now’s his chance.”
     
    Upon arriving at Stokely Memorial Hospital, Nancy guided Mallory to the executive suites on the top floor. After tapping on the door, they entered William Cline’s richly-appointed office. Cline himself was staring at the ceiling with a far-away, thoughtful gaze, as if considering some esoteric riddle. His graying temples and mild-mannered appearance were complemented by stylish glasses that did a reasonably good job of concealing thick lenses.
    Nancy introduced the two and quickly departed.
    “Thanks for helping with this, Agent Wilson,” said Cline. “The profitability of the hospice has been, shall we say, below expectations.”
    Mallory noticed a large framed print on the wall behind Cline’s desk: “The best prescription for outstanding patient care is hospital profitability.”
    Cline continued, “I’m sure you can appreciate the enormous cost of the narcotics we administer to the patients at Serenity Hospice. If you’re able to catch someone skimming off the top, it could help us put Serenity back on track. Of course, it would also keep some scumbag from stealing pain medicine from dying patients.”
    Mallory nodded. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Cline.” She outlined the information she had learned from Nancy Goins. “Can you explain to me what kind of purchase and inventory records the hospice maintains? I’ll need to know what kind of process controls are in place.”
    Cline explained the procedures for tracking medicine from the time it arrived at the hospital to its disbursement, destruction, or return to the hospital pharmacy or Pyxis system.
    “Could someone be taking the medicine of hospice patients after they die?” asked Mallory. “How is the medicine controlled then?”
    “There’s a procedure for disposing of the medicines of deceased patients. They’re deposited into a locked ‘narcotics destruction’ box with another nurse or staff member acting as a witness to the type and quantity. The witness must sign a log, so it would be difficult for someone to forge a record when putting