Strictly Business

by Lisa Eugene

  “So, which broad busted you up?”

  Wade sank into the wrought-iron chair that barely fit his large body and returned his friend’s wide grin.

  “I fell off a ladder.”

  “Oh, come on you can do better than that…I thought maybe that model you were dating roughed you up or something. Didn’t she like it that way?” Ben flicked the ashes of his cigarette into an ashtray and laughed noisily.

  “Not my cup of tea. Sorry to disappoint you bud.” Wade thought about his last relationship. It had ended months ago. He’d dated a popular fashion model for a few months and found it funny that his friends seemed to get more of a kick out of the relationship than he did. He remembered dull conversations with a woman whose beauty went only as deep as the layers of cosmetics she’d spackled onto her skin. He almost laughed out loud at the thought of her roughing him up. She definitely liked being on the opposite end of that spectrum. He couldn’t help comparing her to Nina whose thoughtful eyes and sharp wit kept him revved with interest.

  A gum-chewing waitress appeared to collect Ben’s empty beer bottle and to take their drink order.

  “Read this.” Ben pushed an old newspaper clipping across the top of the metal table.

  Wade eyed Ben, but took the clipping and read. He’d only finished the first paragraph when he looked up with raised eyebrows. The piece was about a wealthy entrepreneur named Rob Lewis who’d donated a large sum of money to Washington Memorial hospital a year ago.

  “I don’t see the connection.” Wade shrugged.

  Ben puffed on his cigarette and blew out a slow breath as Wade watched a cloud of smoke engulf his face. The weathered grooves of his rough countenance were evidence of his many years served in the military.

  “You will. I came across some more of the fake MRI films,” Ben said.

  “How did you manage that?”

  “I was doing surveillance at Barton’s office when a delivery truck pulled up. I was curious because it didn’t go to the regular delivery entrance. It went to the entrance in the back. I followed the guy and for a few C notes he let me look at what he was delivering.”

  “MRIs.” Wade nodded knowingly. “How do you know though that they were altered ones?”

  “R.L.”

  “What?”

  “Remember Mr. Johnson’s MRI report had R.L imprinted on the back.”Wade nodded thoughtfully. They’d never figured out what the letters meant. Though it would’ve made sense if the letters were the initials of the hospital were the films were generated, that investigation had led them to a dead end. Most hospitals or outpatient MRI labs automatically stamped their name at the bottom of the film, but they couldn’t locate a facility that would use those initials. They figured that it might be the initials of the actual technician who took the MRI, but tracking down that person would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

  “The MRIs in the van had those same letters imprinted on the back. The driver was nervous, but I convinced him to tell me where his cargo had originated. You know how persuasive I can be with my warm personality.” Ben grinned widely.

  “Washington Memorial Hospital.”

  Ben nodded thoughtfully. “He was making several stops to various doctor’s offices. The three films that were being dropped off there were for patients at Dr. Barton’s practice. I bet those patients are in the same boat as your Mr. Johnson.”

  “Wow,” Wade whispered, excited that they might have finally gotten a break in the case. Something though still bothered him. “Wouldn’t the films have Washington Memorial stamped at the bottom?”

  “That seemed odd to me too.” Ben nodded. “I did some research and found that article. If you keep reading you’ll see that Rob Lewis donated five million dollars to the radiology wing of Washington Hospital. I’d bet he’s a real egomaniac. Washington Memorial named the radiology department after him and the article states he bought them all new state-of-the-art MRI machines. I’d bet you his initials print out on them. R.L.”

  Wade leaned back in his seat and took a long swig of the cold beer the waitress had brought him. He pondered the information Ben just told him. If Ben’s suspicions were correct this lead could take them directly to the person or people responsible for altering the MRIs. He was certain they were paid off as well by the insurance company.

  “We gotta check out the MRI machines at Washington Memorial to make sure. It’s gonna be tough. You can’t just walk in there and start snooping around. Hospitals have a real phobia about getting sued. They’re very suspicious of people poking around for info. We need to get a hold of a scan printed there to make the comparison or somehow confirm that RL is printed on films generated there.”

  “Damn, I was just there in the radiology department.” Wade cursed under his breath.

  “For your arm?”

  He nodded, regret at the lost opportunity zinging through him. “I’ll request a copy of my film and we can examine it. It would take a few weeks probably. I wished I had looked around when I was there.”

  “There’s no way you could have known,” Ben said, messaging his graying temples. “I would never have suspected WMH. The hospital’s got an excellent reputation. If it’s involved as I suspect, that’ll all change.”

  “Yeah it will.” Wade swallowed at the wad of guilt that blocked his throat as he thought of Nina. It angered him that sometimes a few rotten apples could taint the entire barrel. “It’d be nice to have one of those MRIs from the van,” he added absently.

  Ben’s silence made him look up, and when he did the wide grin on his friend’s face said it all. His brown eyes blazed with satisfaction. “Got one. There were just a few. I figured it probably hadn’t been handled much except by the guilty party so I took it to a cop friend of mine to see if any prints could be lifted. I know it’s a long shot, but I figured I’d try. Maybe I’ll even get an answer back as soon as tonight.”

  “How’d you manage to take it?” Wade asked, alarmed.

  “Dr. Barton came out as I was talking to the delivery man. The delivery guy was so frazzled that he headed him off before he could come around to the back of the truck. I grabbed one of the films and ducked away,” Ben said smugly. “I wanted to ask him who he’d picked the films up from, but I never got the chance.”

  “Hmm…” Wade sat thoughtfully. He knew it was only a matter of time before they figured out who was behind this insurance scam.

  He was glad that his firm had agreed to hire Ben. Over the years he’d become a trusted friend as well as a resourceful and tenacious investigator. Even though he was a little rough around the edges he was good at his job. Although he was skilled, he sometimes took risks that Wade’s firm would not have sanctioned. Although the film he snagged would not be admissible evidence since it had been stolen, it would help them unravel the secrets of this case.

  “Be careful. If they had a tail on you they know we’re on to something. They might even have realized that one of the films from the van is missing and guess that you took it. I’m afraid they might become more desperate since they failed in their attempts to retrieve Mr. Johnson’s film.”

  “Don’t worry. I lost them. How’s Mr. Johnson?”

  “Doesn’t like the security detail you assigned to him.”

  “Well considering how his apartment was torn up, he’s better off this way.”

  Wade took a swig of his beer and scratched his chin. “Yeah, they won’t be happy to now have two MRI films to search for.”

  I’ll be in touch tonight if I hear anything. I’m also checking on a few other things now that I know WMH is involved.”

  “I’ll be out, but you can reach me on my cell.”

  Wade watched the slow smile creep across Ben’s gritty features.

  “Hot date?”

  How much he should tell Ben? He hesitated then said, “She’s a doctor from WMH, Dr. Nina Henley.”

  “What?” Ben choked up a plume of smoke, his eyes round with disbelief.

  Wade waited for his coughi
ng to abate then continued, “I’m sure she’s not involved.”

  Ben blew out a thin curl of smoke; he was silent as his eyes shuttered pensively, “But can she be trusted?”

  Wade shook his head firmly when he realized where Ben was headed. “I trust her, but I don’t want her mixed up in this.”

  “You know she could really be of value. She’s on the inside.”

  “No,” Wade stated firmly, his eyes fixed on Ben’s.

  Ben bared his uneven teeth in a crooked smile. “Boy, you’ve got it bad W.”

  Wade felt his heart flutter momentarily as Ben’s words sank in. He had to admit that his friend was right. Just the thought of seeing her tonight had him thrumming with excitement. He was puzzled because it wasn’t just sexual anticipation that consumed him. His ardor was fueled by an aching need to simply feel her presence.

  Wade smiled back weakly. “No, I’ve got it good.”

  Nina stepped out of her bathroom with a towel wrapped around her. The cold air from the air conditioner kissed her skin and caused goose bumps to pepper her exposed arms and legs. She shuddered briefly and finished drying off, slipping into a red silk robe. The phone rang as she was pulling the scrunchie from her hair, and she stilled, a nervous flapping starting in her stomach. She wondered if it was Wade calling to say he’d be late or even to cancel.

  She’d overslept and was now rushing to get ready for her date. Date. Her insides lurched at the idea. It had been so long since she’d been on an official date that she felt as flighty as a schoolgirl. God, she could restart someone’s heart at the drop of a hat, but she was nervous about one little date! She didn’t want to contemplate why the possibility of him cancelling caused a dull disappointment to well in her chest. Taking a deep calming breath, she answered the phone.

  “What’s up, girl? How was lunch with the parents?” Sally’s booming voice startled her.

  Nina sat on the edge of her bed and laughed. “Well if you consider discussing the bladder habits of a camel, your daughter’s sexual orientation, and the inevitable gravitational pull on private body parts appropriate lunch conversation, I’d say lunch went well.”

  There was ticking silence on the other end of the phone then Sally said flatly, “So, I see your mom was her usual self.”

  “Ah…yeah.”

  Sally giggled. “I knew tame wasn’t cutting it—public place or not.”

  “I think they’re actually worse when they have an audience.” Nina pulled a brush through her curls.

  “Did your mom try to fix you up with someone at the next table again?”

  “No, it was the waiter this time. He was young. I don’t even think he’s reached puberty yet.”

  “Was he cute at least? Maybe all he needs is a little training. If we start when they’re young they’ll be experts when they get to our age.”

  Nina blushed as she remembered how Wade had deftly ignited her passions in the restaurant. He was a man who understood her needs quite well and seemed fully trained and equipped to assuage them.

  “No, thank you,” Nina said. Her eyes darted to the clock on her nightstand and her heart skipped a beat. “Sally, I’ve gotta go. I’ll call you later.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Nina gritted her teeth as her friend waited quietly for an answer. She knew she couldn’t keep this from her best friend any longer.

  “I have a date.”

  “What? With who?”

  Nina could picture her friend’s eyes bulging from their sockets.

  “Wade Connolly.”

  “Oh. My. God!” Sally shrieked. “You’ve been holding out on me. I knew it!”

  Nina chuckled at her friend’s accusation and rolled her eyes in response to the drama. “I don’t have time to explain now, but I promise I’ll call you when I get home tonight.”

  “I want the full play by play!”

  After making a promise to recap the date in explicit detail Nina was allowed to hang up the phone.

  The doorbell rang and she swallowed a bubble of nervousness. She checked her face quickly in the mirror, noting the anticipation in her green eyes. On wobbly knees she walked from her bedroom through the small living area to the front door. The sight through the peephole made her breath catch. Wade stood in the hall, his large body blocking the door, his handsome face magnified through the viewer.

  She breathed deeply and pulled open the door, her skin flushing as his ocean blue gaze meandered over her face and slowly down the length of her red bathrobe, lingering where the robe made a deep V at her neck.

  “You’re early.” She ushered him in, self consciously adjusting the lapels of her robe.

  He proffered the bottle in his hand and smiled brightly. “Thought maybe we’d share a glass of wine before dinner.”

  “Sure.”

  “Although I think you look stunning in that bathrobe it might be a little too casual for where we’re going,” he teased.

  Nina took the bottle from him and he followed her into her small kitchen. The tiny area barely fit the two of them. She could smell his fresh woodsy scent and the short tendrils of hair at his temples were still sleek and wet from his shower. His blue button down shirt matched the color of his eyes, and she caught a hint of his incredible physique as the material molded to his broad shoulders when he moved.

  “This is the latest in summer wear. Just read about it in Vogue,” she retorted lightly. She hoped humor would quell her nervousness.

  “Darn, and I almost wore mine! Can’t believe I’m so fashion backward. Next time I promise to wear only my bathrobe. ”

  She swallowed hard as she scrutinized his handsome features. She knew he’d slipped the word ‘only’ in there on purpose. Despite his sober continence she could see a smile twitching at the corner of his tempting lips.

  Laughing, she chided, “Your’re impossible!” and watched him waggle his brows as he succumbed to a grin.

  Nina turned to rummage through a kitchen drawer, the sudden image of Wade draped in a luxurious robe with nothing underneath bombarding her brain. What was she looking for? Oh, yes a cock screw—ah…cork screw! OMG, hmmm…..focus!

  “I can’t help but tease you. I just love how pretty you are when you blush.”

  She could feel her face color even hotter, and kept her head down as she rummaged.

  “What are you doing?” he asked from close behind, unnerving her even further.

  “I thought you wanted wine.” Her head jerked up as she grabbed the closest implement.

  “I’ll open it. You finish getting dressed.” His grin widened as he nodded towards her hand. “Plus, I don’t think that’ll help much.”

  She followed his gaze to the potato peeler clutched in her grip and they both shared a wry chuckle. He reached around her, nimbly grabbing the bottle opener from the drawer, his body brushing against hers and halting her breath.

  “You want me to open it?” she asked, and he followed her gaze to his left arm.

  He flexed and opened his left fist. The sling had it hugged against his chest. “I’ve actually gotten a lot of movement back. It’s getting better. I think I can manage a wine bottle. If I have trouble though I’ll have you peel it open for me.” He teased. Turning her gently, he nudged her out of the kitchen.

  Making a silly face at him she scooted away, his rumbling chuckle floating behind her. Inside her bedroom she could hear him moving around in her kitchen. She was surprised at how comfortable he seemed in her apartment.

  “The wine glasses are on the top shelf!” she yelled to him through the closed door.

  “Found them.”

  Nina put a light dusting of powder on her nose and passed on blush on her already pink cheeks. Her auburn waves hung loose around her shoulders. She smeared a thin film of lip-gloss on her lips and slipping her feet into her black strappy heels she walked back into the living room.

  Wade had his broad back to her; he was studying pictures on the wall of her and Sally hugging and beaming brightly.
He noticed her come in and smiled appreciatively.

  “Beautiful.”

  She mumbled modest thanks, and embarrassed by the attention, started to explain the pictures.

  “That’s Sally. She’s my best friend. She works at the hospital.”

  He nodded, handing her a glass of wine. “I thought she looked familiar.”

  “Yeah, she was there the night you came in. She recognized you from the morning show,” she said, turning towards the couch. Her fingers had lightly brushed his as she’d taken the glass and the sensation sent a sharp tingle up her arm. She needed to create some distance between them.

  “I’m not a regular. I’ve only been on that show a handful of times before today.”

  “I guess you leave quite an impression.”

  “I hope so.” He met her gaze.

  “So,” she started, dismissing the sudden pounding in her chest, “what other charities are your company involved in?”

  Wade’s blue eyes lit up, his indulgent smile the only indication he was aware of her attempt to keep them on neutral ground. He explained the other charities his firm sponsored and his role.

  “Sounds like very worthwhile endeavors.”

  “They are. The summer ranch program is amazing. My partners and I, along with a few associates and their wives go every year. The kids really love it. It gives them a break from being in the hot city all summer long. They play sports, swim, ride horses,” he said excitedly. “These kids are really smart and have so much potential. I love contributing to that. This year I was Cowboy Wade, in charge of outdoor sports,” he informed proudly.

  Nina smiled. She could imagine Wade in a cowboy hat, jeans and spurs rounding up a bunch of boisterous city kids to play outdoor games. She could hear the excitement in his voice when he spoke and a spot in her heart softened.