Free 035 Bad Medicine by Carolyn Keene

there, but last night—”
    “He was mowed down by an ambulance. I’ve got the file right here, Nancy. Hospital security’s guarding him against another attack. What specifically do you want to know?”
    “Well, I’m working on a theory,” she admitted. “I’d like to know about his bank balance.”
    “That’s classified information,” the detective warned.
    “I know, but David seems to have a lot of unexplained money. He drives a Porsche, but he works as an orderly. Unless he has another job, I don’t see how he can afford that kind of car.”
    Detective Ryan seemed to mull that over. “What do you think he’s involved in?”
    “When I know more, I’ll tell all,” Nancy countered, smiling to herself. Detective Ryan always tried to get her to reveal more than she was willing to tell him.
    “Okay. Will you be home today?”
    “I’ll either be here or at the hospital.” Nancy gave him the emergency room number.
    “I’ll call you,” he promised.
    The morning was passing quickly, so Nancy decided to get to the hospital. She changed into her candy striper outfit, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door. Just then the phone rang. Detective Ryan! Nancy made a mad dash for it.
    “Nancy, is that you?” It was April.
    “Right here. Have you got something for me?” she asked excitedly.
    “Well, maybe. I’m not sure. I got in touch with Dr. Grafton.”
    “And?”
    April hesitated. “Dr. Grafton wants this kept strictly confidential, but David was expelled for dangerous negligence. A patient died because David gave her the wrong medication. My father helped make the final decision to expel him.”
    “The wrong medication?” Nancy repeated, her pulse hammering. This was sounding increasingly familiar!
    “The patient’s husband threatened to sue the hospital. Nancy, Dr. Grafton told me something else, too. Dr. Rayburn worked at the same hospital. And he was one of the doctors who helped get David expelled!”
    “Dr. Rex Rayburn? Chief cardiologist at W.U. Med School? That Dr. Rayburn?” Nancy asked, surprised.
    “Small world, huh? Dr. Grafton says Dr. Rayburn was only there a short time.”
    “What was the name of the patient who died?” Nancy asked.
    “Treadway. Anna Treadway,” April answered. “She died of cardiac arrest. David took it upon himself to administer medicine to her eventhough he was just a student. She died as a result. The evidence was pretty clear.”
    Nancy whistled. A beep sounded in her ear. “April, I’ve got another call coming in. I’ll talk to you later, okay? And thanks. Thanks a lot.” Nancy touched the receiver, disconnecting April and connecting the incoming call. “Hello? Drew residence.”
    “Hi, there, Nancy,” Detective Ryan’s voice greeted her. “You were right on the money with Baines, so to speak. The guy’s bank balance has a few extra zeros.”
    Nancy was elated. “How many extra zeros?”
    “He’s got thousands just sitting in a checking account. Now, where do you suppose that money came from, Detective Drew?”
    “I’ll let you know when I figure it out,” Nancy said with a smile. “I owe you one.”
    “Since I’m being generous, here’s one more item of interest: we found the ambulance that hit Baines. It was abandoned down by the river. No fingerprints. Officers are checking into how it was stolen. So far it looks as if someone just lifted the keys and took it.”
    Keys again. That someone must be fairly well connected to the hospital to be able to pull off a stunt like that, Nancy thought. She thanked the detective and hung up.
    Nancy drove straight to the hospital, parkednear the emergency room door, and strode up the walkway. Running footsteps sounded behind her. Nancy whipped around, half expecting more danger. But it was Suzanne Welles coming across the parking lot.
    “Nancy!” she cried, waving her arm. “I just saw you drive in. I’ve been looking for you all morning!”
    “You have?”
    “Yes.” Suzanne slowed down,