Adrian considered him, then asked, “A belief based entirely upon the conversations you have shared with him on this very subject, yes?”
“Exactly.”Melroy’s gaze swept from one person to the next.“I’ve been telling you this from the start.Wentworth’s biggest fear was that someone looking to make a name for themselves would abuse his findings.That trials would commence on people before a safe formula had been achieved.For this very reason, he never told me what was in it, only that he believed in the possibility of making it work.Our discussions were theoretical.”
“And given your elevated status as a remarkably capable surgeon, it’s probably hard for you to imagine him having a similar conversation with someone less…deserving.”This insightful comment came from Miss Hastings, who smoothly added, “You’re assuming that his failure to share the extent of his research with you means he didn’t do so with anyone else.”
Melroy flushed.“I suppose that’s true though I stand by what I’ve just said.Wentworth would not have risked letti—”
“I made a mistake.”Wentworth gasped.“Several, in fact.”
“You what?”Melroy gaped at him, eyes wide.
Adrian rocked back on his heels.“Explain.”
“It was never my intention to hurt anyone.I’ve always taken great care to ensure people’s safety.But you’re right.If my research was stolen and abused – if people died as a result – I must bear some responsibility.”The words poured from Wentworth in a rush, leaving him slightly breathless.
“Keep talking.”Adrian’s voice lacked warmth and patience.
“You…you have to promise me that what I’m about to say won’t leave this room,” he pleaded.
Samantha’s eyebrows rose.“All things considered, I think that will be the least of your problems.”
“I can’t assure you of that,” Adrian told the physician.“What I can promise, however, is that I will personally make your life hell unless you tell us all you know.Now.”
Wentworth gulped.“There was one incident.A little over a year ago, after Mrs.Lester had been to see me.”
“What did she wish to see you about?”Samantha asked.
“That’s really not important,” Wentworth hedged.
“I will determine that,” Adrian said.He leaned forward ever so slightly.“What.Did she want, Wentworth?”
Had the circumstances been different, Samantha might have pitied the man in that moment.He appeared truly distressed, as though he’d like to escape through the nearest window.
“We were, um…”
Wentworth scratched the back of his head.He seemed to search for the right word.
And then it dawned on her.“She’s your lover, isn’t she?”
Adrian swung his gaze toward Samantha, a startled look in his eyes before he managed to find his footing once more.He returned his attention to Wentworth while everyone else seemed to adjust their brains to what she’d said.Melroy looked especially shocked and slightly disgusted.
“Is this true?”Adrian asked of Wentworth.
Wentworth sighed.“I realize I’m quite a bit older than she.”
“Only three decades,” Melroy said with disdain.“Give or take.”
“She made me feel young and capable,” Wentworth explained.“Unlike my late wife, Laura works in the medical field.Her interest and understanding of what it’s like to help people made for wonderful conversations and companionship.It was all so innocent at first.A cup of tea here and there after work, then an afternoon stroll in the park.I told myself I was mentoring her, until that first touch of her hand.As much as I tried convincing myself it meant nothing, it affected me in ways nothing else ever had.”
“Who propositioned whom?”Adrian asked.
Wentworth shrugged.“Neither of us.It just happened one evening after work.She was leaving my office and I picked up her coat, helped her on with it, and—”
“She was suddenly in your arms?”Samantha said.
A distant look settled upon Wentworth’s face.“It was the most incredible feeling I’ve ever known.”
“More incredible than saving a life on the operating table?”Melroy growled.
