Free Extreme Measures by Michael Palmer Page A

committee’s decision would be known, and the whole bizarre affair would most likely be exposed as a hoax.
    “Gentlemen,” Sara Teagarden began, “we don’t wish to drag this business out any more than you do. However, I am sure you know that we are trying to recoup some pretty heavy losses in the public’s confidence in our hospital, and in particular in our emergency service. I would like Dr. Silver to explain how and why we have arrived at our decision. But first, I would like to be certain that both of you are still interested in becoming his associate. Dr. Marshall?”
    “I’m still in.”
    “And Dr. Najarian?”
    “Yes.”
    “Very well. Dr. Silver, will you please explain our current position.”
    Eric gripped the edge of his chair as Joe Silver straightened his notes and adjusted his reading glasses.
    “Reed, Eric,” he began, “I first want to congratulate each of you for the impression you’ve made on this committee, and also to thank you on behalf of President Mortensen, the trustees, and all of White Memorial for the marvelous years of service you’ve rendered here. As you know, the previous associateE.R. director brought us more ill will and bad ink than any hundred other doctors who have ever worked here combined.…”
    Despite the tension of the moment, Eric and Reed exchanged amused glances. Craig Worrell had gone to the well of his perversion once too often, and had been videotaped soliciting sex from a young woman emergency-room patient in exchange for a hefty narcotics prescription. He was arrested soon after in his BMW in the hospital garage as he urged the undercover policewoman to hurry up and get on with her part of the deal so that he could return to duty. The entire Boston press and TV corps seemed to have been present for the bust. A month later, while free on bail, Worrell vanished. Since then there had been rumored sightings of the man, but nothing more.
    “… Well,” Silver continued, “we three are—understandably, I think you’ll agree—reluctant to make a final choice if there is the slightest uncertainty. We know that you expected a decision today, and we appreciate that this may seem cruel, but we have voted to, ah, put off making our selection for perhaps another two or three weeks. If this decision puts either of you in a position where you need to withdraw your application, please tell us at this time.”
    Silver’s pronouncement hit Eric like an uppercut.
No decision
—the one option he hadn’t considered. But the committee
had
made a definite choice. At least, that was what Silver himself had intimated not two days before.
What in the hell is going on?
    Eric stared at his chief and then, one at a time, at the others on the committee. Their faces seemed plastic, unreal.
    “… Eric? Excuse me, Eric?”
    “Huh? Oh, sorry.”
    Silver looked at him oddly.
    “Eric, Reed here has indicated that he is willing to put matters on hold for two or three more weeks.We’re waiting to hear whether or not you can do the same.”
    Eric battled to bring his thoughts together.
    “Of course,” he heard himself say. “It’s fine with me to wait.”
    The plastic faces grinned approvingly.
    “Excellent,” Sara Teagarden said. “Dr. Darden, have you any comments?”
    The internist looked first at Reed, and then at Eric.
    “I would only beg you gentlemen’s forgiveness and understanding in this matter. If it were possible, I believe we would choose to keep both of you. However, things being as they are, and with the trustees and press watching our every move, there are a few more avenues we wish to explore, a few more inquiries to make. If either of you has problems or questions, I am sure any of us would be happy to meet with you.”
    Without further comment, Sara Teagarden hoisted herself to her feet, shook hands with the candidates, and adjourned the meeting.
    “You okay, Eric?” Marshall asked after the others had left. “You look green.”
    This is bullshit.