“This isn’t the only problem we face,” said the surgeon, albeit with some reluctance.“The duke has come to see me.He’s growing impatient and demands results.”
A pause before the physician said, “I thought we agreed he should not be included in this.”
“We needed him to acquire supplies,” said the surgeon, “without which none of this would be possible.”
“Explain to him that the answer he seeks takes time,” said the accuser.“Testing is required.”
“He is aware of this but—”
“Then we’re in agreement?”the accuser asked.“We proceed according to plan by perfecting the tincture we set out to make.If time allows, we’ll work on creating the serum we promised the duke.”
When no one else said a word, the accuser spoke the group’s motto, allowing each word to resound through the chamber.“Medicina progredi debet.”
Medicine must be advanced.
11
Quickening her pace to keep up with Adrian’s longer strides, Samantha followed him into the hospital that stood at Hyde Park corner.When she’d come here last, it had been to visit Isak after saving him from the horrid fate he and a few other children had been subjected to.
The recollection sent a shiver down her spine.In her opinion anyone cruel enough to hurt a child deserved to pay.She’d no regrets about the punishment she and Adrian had delivered to those responsible.
Only Wycliff, the crime-lord in charge, had escaped their wrath.But only because he’d been dealt with by someone else.Possibly by the Duke of Wrengate, if their suspicions were correct.
Heels clicking against the stone floor, Samantha stuck close to Adrian’s side as he went to inquire after Mr.Booker’s location.
“He’s one floor up,” said Mrs.Burns, the nurse on duty.Samantha recognized her from some of her previous visits and knew she was also well-acquainted with Adrian, who had a long-standing relationship with the hospital as a whole.“I’m sure Doctor Ashburry would be happy to show you up.”
Samantha looked at the man the nurse gestured toward, a handsome fellow who appeared to be past his fiftieth year.Lean of build, he wore a lopsided smile as he came toward them.
“Mr.Croft,” said the physician.“I’ve not seen you here in a while.”
Adrian stuck out his hand and shook the one Doctor Ashburry offered.“Not since you set my valet’s broken arm a couple of years ago.The last time I stopped by, Doctor Moore was on duty.”
“He’s not here today, but I’m happy to help with whatever you need.”
The nurse informed Ashburry of Adrian and Samantha’s reason for coming, upon which he led them toward the stairs that would take them to the wing where Mr.Booker was recuperating.
“If possible, we’d also like to speak with the nurse and physician who attended him when he was first brought in,” Adrian said while they walked.
“Certainly.I’ll get that information to you as soon as we’ve located Mr.Booker.”
Ashburry was just as agreeable as the rest of the employees Samantha had encountered here.She’d always wondered if this was their general attitude or if it was how they behaved when Adrian and those associated with him made requests.The donations he had provided probably helped ensure a certain level of service.
They turned left at the top of the stairs and proceeded through a pair of double doors, then down a short hallway, toward a door that led into a long room.It looked very similar to the room in which Isak had spent time while he’d been here.Ten beds filled it.Five lined either side, providing a path straight down the middle for medical staff to walk.
“That’s odd,” Ashburry muttered as he approached an unoccupied bed that stood at the end of the row to the right.He glanced around, a confused look in his eyes.“Mr.Booker was supposed to be here.”
Samantha stared at the empty bed.“Could he have wandered off on his own?”
“I don’t believe his condition would let him do so.Allow me to check with one of the nurses attending this floor.I’ll just be a moment.”He walked off, leaving Adrian and Samantha alone with nine patients.
Samantha assessed each one in turn, saw that Adrian did the same, and chose to approach an older man who appeared to be watching them intently.
“I apologize for disturbing you,” she said, “but I wonder if you might be able to tell us about the man who’s supposed to be lying in that bed over there.Did you see him get up and leave?”
“No, but I did see a couple of orderlies come and fetch him about ten minutes ago.”
Unsure what this information suggested regarding Mr.Booker, Samantha asked, “Was there any indication as to what they wanted with him?”
