Free Miracle Cure by Harlan Coben Page A

this is so big, so important. If and I admit it's a big if if someone murdered them because of their affiliation to the clinic and if that someone does the same to the others, it could mean a delay in proving that the treatment works. That delay could cost thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of lives." "I see your point," she said, "but why are you telling me?" Harvey smiled, though his face still looked weary.
    "I don't have much, Sara. I'm divorced. I have no kids. My only brother died of AIDS. My father died years ago and my mother has Alzheimer's. I work all the time so I don't have a lot of friends."
    He stopped now as if trying to summon up some additional strength.
    "Michael has always been like a son to me. That makes you, well, the best kind of daughter-in-law. Whether you like it or not, you and Michael are my family."
    "We like it," she said softly. She took hold of his hand.
    "Have you told anyone else about this?"
    "I'm going to tell Michael, but I wanted to speak to you first.
    Eric, of course, knows. He's been wonderful since joining the clinic last year. I depend on him for everything."
    "I'm glad he worked out so well."
    "Yeah, well, Eric and I are both starting to question our sanity over this whole murder mess. We're not sure if we're complete lunatics or just a pair of paranoid conspiracy nuts. Working on a disease like this one can make you a little batty after a while.
    Will you help me investigate this?"
    "I'll get on it right away," she said.
    "I have a friend in homicide, a Detective Max Bernstein.
    "I'll speak to him about it. But I have another suggestion."
    "What?"
    She hesitated.
    "Let me do a story on the clinic."
    "Huh?"
    "Well run it live on Newsflash. The positive publicity will force the government to refinance the clinic." "I don't know, Sara," he said.
    "It might piss off Washington."
    "So what?" she countered.
    "You'll have all of America on your side after this report. The politicians wouldn't dare close you down." Harvey looked down and said nothing for a few minutes.
    "Harv?"
    "Can you keep our location and identity a secret?" he asked.
    "No names of doctors, no names of patients, nothing like that?
    I won't risk a patient's confidentiality."
    "No problem."
    He looked around, his eyes misty and afraid.
    "If you think it will work..."
    "It has to," Sara urged.
    "Like you said before, it's time to let the world know."
    Harvey nodded.
    "Okay then. Do it." He shook his head, in some vain attempt to clear it. His face fought to look cheerful.
    "Now let's change subjects for a while. How are you doing?" "Actually," Sara said with a hint of a smile, "I need a small favor."
    "Name it."
    "I need you to find me a good obstetrician."
    Now it was Harvey's turn to look surprised.
    "Jesus, Sara, are you...?
    She shrugged, trying to contain her excitement. She wanted so damn much to say yes, to see Michael's face after a positive test result came back.
    "Right now, I'm just late."
    "Maybe this is an insensitive question, but what about your career?"
    "No problem there. I can still tape the shows up until the birth and the networks love the publicity of a maternity leave. Boosts ratings through the roof."
    "Can you be at Columbia Presbyterian tomorrow morning at ten?"
    "Yes."
    "Good. Ask for Dr. Carol Simpson. She'll know you're coming." He paused, his voice becoming serious.
    "I know you and Michael have been trying for a long time, Sara. Have you told him?"
    She shook her head.
    "I'd rather wait for the results of the test.
    I don't want to build up his hopes if it's just another false alarm."
    "Do you mind if I meet you there?"
    "I'd like that."
    "Great.
    "I'll see you then."
    "Harvey?"
    "Yes?"
    "Don't forget to talk to Michael about his stomach. He won't say anything, but it's really giving him some problems."
    "I'll speak to him right away."
    George sat in his car behind lush shrubbery at the foot of Dr. Lowell's driveway. He checked his gold Piaget. Getting late. The party was winding down now.