should have.
So, what's up? Amanda asked, dying to know why he had called but unwilling to ask.
I was in New Orleans since last Friday and didn't see a paper until this morning. I read about Justine being charged with those killings.
Amanda flashed on a vision of Justine and Tony standing side by side in Fiori's doorway four years ago.
So that's why you called, because of Justine? she asked, fighting to mask her disappointment.
Your name was in the paper, too, Amanda. He paused. Look, I've got to be in surgery in three minutes, so I don't have much time. I' d like to see you. Could we have dinner?
Amanda's pulse gave an unexpected flutter.
I don't know.
If you don't want to, I'll understand.
No, it's not that. She did want to see Tony. I'll be up to my neck in Justine's case for the next few days.
How about this weekend?
Okay.
I'll make a dinner reservation at the Fish Hatchery for Friday night. Is that okay?
Sure.
See you then.
Amanda hung up the phone. Tony Fiori. Wow! Now here was a blast from the past. Amanda laughed. She' d really acted like a schoolgirl when she found out he' d been sleeping with Justine, but that was years ago and she was a lot tougher now. And she had enjoyed the time they' d spent together. Amanda stared out the window for a moment. Then she smiled. It would be interesting to see how well Tony had aged in four years.
Chapter 43
The view from Carleton Swindell's office had not changed, but Dr. Swindell's blond hair was thinning, and Sean McCarthy suspected that a facelift had been performed on the hospital administrator of St. Francis Medical Center during the past four years.
Detective, Swindell said as he rose from behind his desk to extend a hand. The administrator's grip was still strong, and the detective noticed several new rowing plaques and medals had been added to the trophies that graced Swindell's credenza. I assume you're here about Justine Castle.
McCarthy nodded as he handed Swindell a subpoena for the doctor's records. Swindell examined it briefly. He looked as though he hadn't been sleeping well.
After that business with Vincent Cardoni I thought I' d seen everything. But this ... He shook his head in dismay. Frankly, Detective, I find it hard to believe that Justine could do the things I read about in the paper.
She was arrested at the scene of the murders, and we have other evidence connecting her to them.
Even so. Swindell hesitated. Then he leaned forward. I followed Cardoni's case. Of course, I only had access to the media accounts, but these new murders, aren't they similar to the murders Cardoni was supposed to have committed? The newspaper even commented on it.
I' m afraid I can't discuss the evidence.
Oh, of course. I didn't mean to pry. It's just that, well, when Cardoni was arrested, no one was shocked. But Justine ... We've never had any reason to suspect that she would be capable of anything like this. Her record is spotless.
Swindell shifted uncomfortably. I know this isn't my area of expertise, but with such bizarre circumstances, wouldn't you suspect that the person who committed one set of murders also committed the others?
That's a possibility that we're investigating, along with several others.
The administrator flushed. Yes, I should have guessed that.
Dr. Swindell, the last time we spoke, you mentioned a connection between Dr. Castle and Clifford Grant.
He was her attending, her supervisor during her residency.
So they would have been close?
Professionally, yes.
Four years ago, would Dr. Castle have had the skills to harvest a human heart for use in a heart transplant? If you know.
I trained as a surgeon before I decided to become a hospital administrator, so I' m well aware of the technique, Swindell said with some pride. Justine is a highly skilled surgeon. I believe she would have been able to perform the operation.
McCarthy considered Swindell's answer for a moment. Then he stood. Thank you, Doctor.
Feel free to call on me for help anytime.
We appreciated the way you sped things along the last time I asked for your help. If you could do the same with this subpoena ...
Swindell held up his hand. Say no more. I'll get on it immediately.
Chapter 44
The reservation at the Fish Hatchery was for eight, but Amanda was intentionally late. When she spotted Tony in the upscale crowd in the lounge at eight-twenty she was pleased to see him casting anxious glances toward the door. He was wearing a dark sports jacket without a tie, a white shirt and gray slacks, and he was every bit as handsome as she remembered. Amanda worked her way through the crush at the bar. Tony saw her and flashed a wide smile. Amanda extended her hand but Tony ignored it, pulling her into a quick bear hug.
You look great, Tony said enthusiastically. He pushed her back. God, look at you.
Amanda felt herself flush.
Our table won't be ready for a few minutes. Do you want a drink?
Sure.
Amanda ordered a margarita. The bar was packed, and she and Tony were pushed hip to hip. The contact felt good.
When did you get back to Portland? she asked while they waited for the drinks.
I've been at St. Francis for almost a year.
Oh, Amanda answered coldly, stung by the fact that he' d taken so long to call her. I guess you've been busy.
You've got every right to be mad. It's just that ... Well, I guess I was embarrassed because of what happened the night you showed up at my house. I didn't know if you' d want to hear from me.
You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Amanda said, keeping her tone neutral. I certainly had no right to assume that you would be alone.
You needed someone to comfort you, and you came to me. When I found out what you' d gone through in the mountains I felt like a complete shit.
There wasn't any reason for you to feel that way, Amanda said, answering more sharply than she had intended.
Tony looked upset. He took a deep breath.
We were friends, Amanda. You don't have to sleep with someone to care for them.
The hostess chose that moment to tell them that their table was ready. Amanda was grateful for the interruption and followed her in embarrassed silence. The hostess gave them menus and a wine list. As soon as she left, Tony put down his menu.
Let me clear the air, okay? Otherwise we're both going to be blushing and mumbling all evening. I' m going to start with Justine. I' d seen her around the hospital, but I never spent much time with her until Cardoni attacked Mary Sandowski. I happened to be passing by when Justine confronted him. I was afraid that he might hit her, so I asked if there was a problem, just to let Cardoni know that Justine wasn't alone. After we calmed down Mary, Justine and I talked. One thing led to another. When I ran into you at the Y, we were already sleeping together.
Tony paused and looked down at the table.
I don't want you to take this the wrong way. I' m not someone who flits from woman to woman. But Justine and I ... Well, I don't know any other way to put this. Our sex was recreational. She was going through a hard time, and I was a distraction. I liked her and I think she liked me, but it didn't mean anything.
