The impatient administrator cut her off sharply before she could finish. “Your job doesn’t require understanding, Kendra. Just take these files and make sure they’re shredded.” Through clenched teeth, her whisper became a stifled snarl. “Just be happy you’re getting overtime.”
Cowering at her boss’s harsh reproach, Kendra gathered up the records and scurried out of the office, eyes cast timidly on the floor. “Yes, Doctor. Right away.”
Just moments after Kendra disappeared down the long corridor, the second-floor elevator sounded a familiar ding. Two men stepped out of the compartment, one tall and rather handsome, the other shorter and solidly built. Clearly headed to the same place, they turned and walked in the direction of Virginia Kemp’s office with singular determination.
Virginia stepped away from the blinds she had been spying through and sat expectantly in her oversized desk chair. Steeling her nerves, she offered a slightly high-pitched, though courteous, welcome about a tenth of a second before the inevitable knock on her door. “Come in please!” Not exactly what she had in mind, but the effect was the same.
The two men entered and stood side by side in front of her desk, the shorter of the two brought his hand up to shield his still-adjusting eyes from the stark white light filling her office. The taller man appeared surprised to see her or at least was surprised by something about her as he spoke. “Good afternoon. We’re looking for Doctor Kemp, and judging by the name on the door, may I assume we have the right place?”
Taking a distinctly different approach with these visitors than she did with Captain Fillion, Virginia smiled and nodded welcomingly. Her blond hair, now twisted loosely to the top of her head with a pencil pushed through to hold it in place, allowed thin wisps to fall to each side of her face. She had the appearance of someone vulnerable, approachable, and unprepared for confrontation. Neither Seth nor Leo had pictured this dainty, rather attractive woman as the inhospitable beast described to them just minutes ago.
“Greetings, gentleman, I’m Doctor Kemp. But please, call me Virginia,” she gushed.
Tempted to recheck the name on the door, Seth couldn’t help but wonder if he had the right person. “Good afternoon, I’m Special Agent Seth Alexander and this is Special Agent Leonardo Alejo.” Shooting an amused glance at his partner, he knew an adjustment was coming.
“Eh, just Leo or Agent Alejo is fine.” His full first name, although handed down through several generations, made Leo cringe every time he heard it.
Opening the interaction as professional as he could, Seth skipped the small talk. “We’re with the FBI office out of Milwaukee and have been instructed to follow up on concerns brought to our attention regarding the recent rise in abuse cases within the hospital.”
Taking a deep breath before responding, Virginia hoped to remove any perception that she was worried about the continuing investigation. “Oh that’s why you’re here?” she said innocently. “I spoke with Captain Fillion just prior to your arrival, and I do hope that your time is not being wasted here. I, of course, will offer whatever assistance I can to help with the investigation.”
Even without their previous briefing, Leo knew her offer was only pretense. “We appreciate that, especially since the investigation is being met with resistance by the hospital and portions of the local authority.”
Clasping her hands tightly in front of her, Virginia seized the opportunity to downplay the need to look any further. “Well, I think you’ll both agree that it’s difficult to get behind an investigation when no one seems to be able to explain what needs investigating in the first place.”
Why Captain Fillion disliked this particular administrator became quickly apparent to Leo. “Is it the busload of battered women or the fact that no one will talk about it that you think is not important enough to look into?”
Unshaken, Virginia gave an automatic, clearly rehearsed response. “Of course the police need to investigate domestic abuse, but those charges have nothing to do with the hospital itself.” Her tone suggested that there was no room for debate on the point. “Each case has been thoroughly investigated by city detectives as well as the University’s internal investigators. There’s simply no reason to believe that hospital staff contributed to any of those circumstances.”
“We haven’t made a final decision at this point, Doctor Kemp,” said Seth as he watched her shoulders begin to tense up. Responding with added calm, he saw no reason to raise her full defenses just yet. “We just need to ask a few questions so we can get our bearings, would that be alright?”
Realizing that a less sterile approach may benefit her, Virginia tried to give the impression that she was letting down her guard. “Yes, of course. My apologies, I’ve been under a lot of stress lately.” Motioning to a pair of chairs pressed up against a far wall, she did her best to appear accommodating. “Please sit down, ask anything you wish.”
Seth and Leo each moved a dark wooden chair closer to Doctor Kemp’s desk and sat down. “Thank you. Now, let’s start with this place, what types of things happen here,” began Seth.
“Lots of things happen here, as long as they are related to childbirth,” stated Virginia, slipping into the comfortable role of hospital administrator as she addressed the two men simultaneously. “This branch of the University Hospital provides obstetrics and gynecological services to pregnant women or those who are trying to become pregnant. They receive preconception counseling, contraceptive consultation, and fertility screening. We’re also renowned for our successes with high-risk pregnancies and the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of fetal disorders.” Bragging as if taking credit for it all, she failed to mention that everything she just mentioned could be found in the brochures sitting at reception.
Genuinely interested, Seth listened carefully. “That’s amazing, Doctor. How can anyone find these disorders in a fetus?”
Happy to be talking about something other than angry fathers and victimized mothers for a change, Virginia felt her neck muscles relaxing. “Many disorders can be found through basic blood work, while some require more extensive genetic testing which can give us a clearer picture of the makeup of the fetus and mother.”
Having been involved in cases hinging on genetic evidence, Seth wondered how it would be effective in treating childhood disorders. “The FBI has been using genetic testing in a growing number of cases, but it can take months to get results. How can you wait that long for results when dealing with pregnancy?”
“This isn’t your typical hospital, Agent Alexander. This is also one of the leading genetic research facilities in the world,” she said, again sounding as if it was all her idea. “We, of course, have our own processing lab which significantly cut down the processing time for genetic testing.”
A little envious, Seth questioned how many criminals would be taken off the streets, or suspects exonerated if the FBI had comparable resources.
Noticing that his partner had become momentarily distracted, Leo jumped back into the conversation. “Very enlightening, Doctor Kemp. It sounds as though this is the place to be if the stork is on the way.”
Blinking noticeably, Seth regained his train of thought. “I’m afraid I need to ask more questions about the circumstances surrounding the abuse cases,” he forewarned.
“I’ll tell you what I can, but I doubt it will be much help,” she predicted with a slight shake of her head.
Opening the more complete file he had received earlier, Seth reviewed with the basics of the case. “Let’s just start at the beginning. I have on record that the first in this string of cases occurred on December twelfth, 1995, following a birth complication. Is that correct?”
Unaccustomed to full disclosure, Virginia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “December twelfth of last year was not the first time something like this has ever happened...but yes, that was the first in recent memory.”
Staring directly into Virginia’s dark, shifting eyes, Seth asked for more detail. “Alright, please tell me about
that first case. What were the circumstances?”
Breaking with his gaze, looked down at her hands, still clasped together. Methodically, she recalled the circumstances as her knuckles began to turn white under the pressure of her own grip. “It was a very common situation,” she said. “A young married couple was having their first child. The woman had already suffered a late-term miscarriage the year before and I was guiding her through the pregnancy process.” She spoke as if reading words from a cue card. “We had been successful in avoiding any complications and she had gone into labor naturally, which was what we had hoped for. The labor went smoothly and her husband was extremely supportive and an excellent birthing coach.” She paused and looked down at her desk, deep in thought.
Leaning forward, Seth encouraged her to continue. “And then what happened?”
Lines indicative of regular stress revealed themselves around her eyes. “The child was born, but there was a problem.”
Though he had no children of his own, Growing up in a big family had given Leo strong paternal instincts. “Was the kid okay.”
“The baby was perfectly healthy, but let’s just say it obviously wasn’t his perfectly healthy baby,” sighed Virginia, allowing herself to divulge that small amount of privileged information.
Paging through his file, Seth saw no mention of that particular piece of the puzzle. He knew he’d have to confront her about that at some point, but decided to wait until she’s finished her retelling. “That doesn’t sound good. Then what happened?”
As if seeing the scene unfold again then and there, Virginia’s eyes widened. “What do you think happened? The woman’s husband went berserk!” Her voiced raised as if trying to talk over commotion that wasn’t there. “He swept all our instruments onto the floor and began yelling and screaming. He paced around like a wild animal before walking over to shake her by the shoulders!” Reflexively holding her arms in front of her, she mimicked the action she had witnessed.
Enthralled, Leo summed up the situation as well as anyone could have. “That totally sucks.”
Shivering slightly, Virginia was happy to have reached the end of her recollection. “Thank heavens the orderlies were nearby. I shudder to think what else could have happened.”
With the story at an end, Seth saw no need to hold his question any longer. “I understand how difficult it was for you to talk about that day, but I need to clear something up. Flipping through John’s file again, he attempted to divine a common thread between the two accounts. “Can you shed some light on why you decided to tell us about the racial factor, but not tell the police?”
Leaning back in her chair, Virginia looked at Seth as if he’d asked her why rain is wet. “Infidelity is nothing new gentlemen. It’s hardly news worthy.”
“News worthy? We’re talking about a police investigation here,” snapped Seth
Amazed at his naiveté, the shrewd administrator saw it as her duty to educate him on the finer points of politics. “Anything I say to the police goes into a report. In this town, those reports have a way of leaking onto the front page of the Madison Times.”
Suddenly, John’s descriptions of her seemed all too perfect to Leo. “Holy bejesus! Are you sayin’ you lied to avoid bad press?”
Shaking her head, Virginia denied the accusation. “No, just its flow.” Making perfect sense to her, she had no problem sharing her reasoning at this point. “It’s unlikely anyone at the FBI will feel the need to play politics in Madison. I want this worked out, just not by the court-of-public-opinion.” Unfazed by the incredulous looks she was getting, she remained defiant. “Also, I didn’t lie, I omitted.”
Sharing his partner’s growing distaste for the conversation’s direction, Seth saw no further need to play nice. “I should arrest you right now for obstruction. Perhaps that would make a nice front page?”
Scoffing at the threat, Virginia wasn’t intimidated in the least. “I’ve cooperated fully with your investigation, which wasn’t even a thing until today. It’s not my fault that the police never asked the right questions.”
Craning his head around as if to look up and down the empty hallway behind him, Leo made clear that he doubted her innocence would be believed if push came to shove. “Is your staff usually off work before four in the afternoon or just on days when they might be asked questions?”
“Gentlemen, I think we’re done here.” Standing up, Virginia didn’t appear much taller than when she’d been sitting. “You’re welcome to come back when others are here, but you won’t find anything beyond what I’ve already told you.”
Seeing no reason to start the investigation with an arrest, Seth decided to see how things unfolded. “We can take a break for today. Let’s arrange time tomorrow to discuss this matter further.”
Crossing her arms, Virginia stubbornly informed them that she had other plans. “I would like to, but I am going to be at a medical conference in Green Bay tomorrow until Wednesday morning, and I won’t be back until that evening.”
Unwilling to leave the doctor with the impression that’d she escaped further scrutiny, Seth made light of the inconvenience. “That’s no problem. We have plenty to keep us busy until you get back. Just be sure to let us know if you’ll be delayed.”
Not wishing to be left out, Leo stood up and handed her his card. “If you think of anything else you ‘omitted’, give us a call.” With a quick wink, he made sure she knew that her power only went so far. “Oh, and don’t leave the State.”
Moving away from her desk, Virginia’s increasingly thin façade of kindness wore off. “If the two of you don’t mind, I need to get packed and check on the substitute for my lessons tomorrow.”
“Lessons?” asked Seth as he followed suit and stood up next to Leo.
“This is a university,” she said condescendingly, putting a hand on her hip. “I teach a summer course on the diagnosis of fetal disorders using innovations in medical technologies.”
Motioning toward the door, Seth stopped himself from rolling his eyes. “That sounds enlightening. Perhaps we’ll attend a session.”
Using her words like a pointed stick, she jabbed at them in an effort to shoo them out. “Too bad you’re headed back to Milwaukee, you might’ve learned something.”
“Thanks, but I think we’ll stick around for a while. There’s plenty to do here until you get back.”
Without so much as an upward glance, Virginia went back to her desk. “Great, bye now,” she said as she when back to aimlessly shuffling papers about her desk.
Sympathetic to how Captain Fillion likely felt when finally able to leave Doctor Kemp’s office, Seth and Leo withdrew into the beckoning shadows. Leo stumbled, bumping into an unattended bucket and mop as his eyes struggled to adjust. Seth reflexively grabbed a flailing arm to keep his partner from falling forward. “Take it easy there, speedy,” he joked, letting go of his partner’s arm and pushing the cleaning implements out of the way with his foot.
“Thanks, bro. I’d hate to kick the bucket on a case like this,” said Leo, never missing an opportunity to dust off a pun.
This time there was no stopping Seth from rolling his eyes. “Let’s get out of here,”
Reaching the waiting elevator Seth turned to Leo and let out a low whistle as they stepped inside. “I think I understand where the captain is coming from now,” he said, shaking his head.
“I dunno,” said Leo with a boyish giggle, “I think she’s kind of spicy. Arriba baby!”
Dropping his head, Seth stifled a laugh. “You don’t need a girlfriend that bad, buddy. No one does.”
“Speaking of girlfriends bro, you’d better call Sarah if you plan on meeting her for dinner,” Leo reminded.
Looking at his wristwatch, Seth’s shoulders sagged noticeably as the elevator doors closed. “I hate to say it, but I think we should just stay in town tonight and leave after checking in with Captain Fillion in the morning.” Taking a limited-funds expense card out of his wallet, he held it up for Leo. “
Would you mind getting us a hotel room?”
Chuckling, Leo waved off the plastic card. A broad smile quickly expanded across his face. “You kidding bro? I’m calling Pedro. He’s got all kind of room.”
With a familiar tone, the elevator opened to the hospital lobby. “As long as I don’t have to share a room with a goat, I’m all for it,” Seth said. Realizing that the people just outside the doors had only heard that part of the conversation, he felt his face blush. Self-conscious, he scampered away to find a private place to use his cell phone. Leo’s loud laughter at his partner’s embarrassment made such a place difficult to find.
Chapter 9
Casa Del Leo
HOVERING CONSIDERABLY LOWER on the horizon than when the agents first entered the obstetrics branch of the hospital, the sun was already relenting into the west. The heat of the day began to dissipate, but nature’s furnace felt even hotter now that the men had fully acclimated to the cool air being pumped throughout the building. Immediately feeling as if oxygen were in short supply, they made their way to Gertrude.
Markedly less jubilant than his partner, Seth could still hear the disappointed yet understanding tone of Sarah’s voice still ringing in his thoughts. Sinking into the cavernous vinyl comfort of the car’s front seat, he made sure that Leo had called ahead. “So, was your brother ok with us crashing at his place on such short notice?”
“Ok? He was more than ok!” said Leo, bouncing up and down as he flashed a toothy grin. The springy seat did a fine impression of a trampoline. As his head made solid contact with the roof of the car.
Reaching for the seatbelt, Seth brought the shoulder strap across his chest. “I think I saw an old Packer’s helmet rolling around in the back if you’d like me to look for it.”
Still smiling, Leo rubbed his head and kept talking. “Pedro and Michelle are looking forward to having us over. We’ve been promised authentic Mexican tonight.” His voice jumped like that of a child who just got the best Christmas present ever. He slapped his palms together and rubbed them in anticipation.
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