Death by Request (Caribbean Murder #11)

“It’s not only important, it’s vital,” Todd agreed. “And I do not take it lightly. People come to the hospital sick and suffering and they look to us to get well again.”


“That’s quite a responsibility,” Cindy urged him onward.

“Exactly,” said Todd. “It’s our job to send them home healed.”

Cindy sensed the depth of Todd’s distress. “And I’m sure everyone at the hospital is dedicated to healing their patients,” she remarked.

As Cindy hoped, her comment disturbed Todd. He stopped for a second and began rubbing his face.

“Of course they’re dedicated,” he finally continued walking, “but sometimes dedication is not enough.”

“What do you mean?” asked Cindy, fascinated.”

A muscle in Todd’s jaw clenched. “I’m sure you know there’s lots of drugs in all hospitals,” he started, waiting for Cindy’s response.

“Naturally,” she said, plainly.

“And I’m sure you know that doctors and nurses have easy access to them,” Todd continued, not mincing words.

“Everyone knows that,” Cindy remarked, professionally.

“Yes, they do. It’s a common problem that I’m going to tell you about,” Todd’s voice rose stridently. “Many doctors and nurses happen to be users. They’re drug addicts, to put it plainly. Did you also know that?”

“Not specifically,” Cindy answered quickly. “Which doctors and nurses are you talking about, those at your hospital?”

“It’s easy to understand why they get pulled into using,” Todd bypassed Cindy’s question. “They work long hours, are under terrible stress, the drugs are available, and there’s no one on the lookout, stopping them.”

“Isn’t that the hospital administrator’s job, to be on the watch for something like that?” Cindy was riveted to him.

“Exactly,” Todd grew agitated. “That’s what I’ve told Konrad and what I tell myself, again and again. Do you think Konrad listens to me, though? Do you think he cares a word about what I say? I’ve come to the conclusion that he doesn’t.”

Cindy now understood why Todd was so eager to talk.

“From Konrad’s point of view, I’m laughable,” Todd went on, indignant. “He says to me, give it a break, Todd. Get over it, are you on a mission or something?”

“What kind of mission?” asked Cindy.

“I don’t want doctors and nurses who are using drugs working with patients!” Todd exclaimed, as if it were his single purpose in life to put an end to it.

“That makes sense,” said Cindy, “it’s only right.”

“Of course it’s right, of course it makes sense,” Todd grew more heated. “And it’s only fair to the sick people suffering in our beds.”

“Konrad doesn’t agree?” Cindy was astonished.

Todd practically stood up off the bench. “For all I know he’s using too,” he exclaimed heatedly. “If Konrad’s using his judgment has to be off. And I believe it is. There are all kinds of things he keeps doing that just don’t add up.”

“Like what?” asked Cindy, amazed to be hearing this.

“Well, for starters,” Todd continued, “Konrad was personally responsible for hiring Alana, the nurse in charge of Tara. He did it against my better judgment. I told him not to.”

“Why not?” asked Cindy.

“Have you seen Alana?” Todd shot back.

“Not yet, but soon,” Cindy became alarmed.

“Well, wait until you do,” Todd snapped. “She’s beautiful, charming, sexy as hell and doesn’t think twice about flaunting it. Don’t think Konrad didn’t notice that.”

Cindy’s head started spinning. Alana had a right to be sexy and charming, that wasn’t a reason for denying her a job. Why did that bother Todd so much?

“Did Alana’s charm affect Konrad’s decision to hire her?” Cindy pressed on. Could it be that Todd was jealous of Konrad, or jealous of Alana?

“That’s exactly why Konrad hired her,” Todd’s face became distorted. “He’s a sucker for gorgeous women, I’ve seen it before. But Alana was fired from another hospital for negligent patient care. She should never have been hired as part of our staff.”

Cindy’s heart started pounding. “Negligent patient care, that’s awful.”

“That’s what I told Konrad,” Todd’s head flipped back. “I said it’s a red flag, you can’t take a chance with her. But Konrad couldn’t care less. He told me not to say a word about Alana’s background to anyone, she was a great nurse, he felt it in his bones. And it’s obvious to me now that Konrad and Alana are romantically involved.”

“Makes sense,” said Cindy.

Todd took exception, however. “No, it doesn’t make sense,” he exclaimed. “Not to me. Konrad has no right to be distracted by someone like her. It’s self-indulgent and wrong.

Konrad’s in charge of a lot of sick people and the hospital rules forbid dating co-workers.”