Dr. Phillips dropped into a chair with a groan.
Josie smoothed her hair back. “I’m afraid someone ransacked our offices looking for some type of financial information on our clients.”
Dr. Madison sniffed. “That’s what we understand. As you can imagine, we’re quite concerned about client confidentiality.”
“Yes.” Josie calculated the materials in her files. The lab worked in everything from reproductive technology to cellular research for genetic diseases. “But all of my information is financial. We have no access to patient names, medical data, or anything protected by the new privacy laws. Just your grant applications, payments, and bottom line.”
“So even if there were payments from patients, those payments would be listed anonymously?” Dr. Madison wrinkled her brow, her chin lifting, her tone cultured and condescending.
Josie stamped down irritation. “Yes. Your organization assigns a number to a patient, and we just get that number in our files.” The doctor appeared unfamiliar with the process. “If you don’t mind my asking, what field do you work in with Fuller Labs?”
A fine eyebrow arched. “I’m a clinical neuropsychologist with a specialty in psychoneuroimmunology.”
Well now. That was a mouthful. “So. Brain. Psychology. The interaction of the central nervous system, psychological processes with the body’s immune system.” The doctor wasn’t the only person in the room who’d gone to college.
Madison smiled a perfect row of small white teeth. “In a simple nutshell, yes.”
Annoyance swirled in Josie’s temples, so she widened her smile. “Sounds fascinating.” Arrogant, snotty know-it-all. She met the doctor’s gaze head-on, allowing both confidence and humor to show on her face. Years of dealing with people who considered themselves better than a lost kid often came in handy with handling bullies. “I’m surprised you have time to delve into the accounting side of the business.”
The smile slid off the doctor’s face. “While my work is far more important than simply adding numbers, I do wish to protect our clients.” She picked invisible lint off her designer suit. “Which is why I’m quite concerned with the obvious breach of protocol here.”
Josie forced herself to remain calm. “Breach?”
“Yes.” Madison clicked her tongue. “We expect our financial information to be protected and safe. Apparently your firm is not up to the task.”
Dr. Phillips patted Madison’s china doll hand with his large, gnarled one. “Now Dr. Madison, let’s not be hasty.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sure our records are safe.”
Josie nodded, shifting her focus to him. “Of course. Since we didn’t have any client information to begin with, there’s absolutely no risk of a breach. Plus, I’m confident the police will find whoever broke into our offices.” Something in her would’ve truly enjoyed punching the snotty woman in the face. Just once. Or maybe twice.
A whisper of sound echoed before Daniel poked his head around the thick door. “Sorry. I just need the conference room when you’re finished.” His trimmed brown hair appeared slightly ruffled, but his gaze was calm.
Dr. Madison leaned forward. “You’re Daniel Mission.”
Dan frowned, stepping inside and smoothing down his power tie. The red tie contrasted nicely with the navy suit. “Yes, er…”
“Dr. Madison of Fuller Labs.” The woman flashed a smile. “You handle the accounts for Genevieve Trogart, who is a friend of mine.”
Understanding smoothed out Dan’s frown. “Yes. The Trogart Corporation has been my client for about two years.” He smiled, all charm. “In fact, I just got off the phone with Genny—she was anxious about the breakin.”
Dr. Madison’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me the Trogart files were taken?”
“No.” Dan shook his head. “I keep my files on a flash drive that’s with me at all times. No hard copies, nothing on the laptops I leave at work. Of course.”
Irritation had Josie’s hands drawing into fists. “That’s not firm policy.”
“Yet it’s a good one now, isn’t it?” Dr. Madison drawled, her gaze all but shining on Dan. “I’ll bet all of your clients are very happy right now.”
“Yes.” Dan returned the admiring glance. “It was nice to have met you.” With a nod at Josie, he pivoted and disappeared from view.
Dr. Phillips pushed back his chair and stood, assisting Madison up. “We should get going. Don’t worry, Josie. I’m sure they’ll find the criminals. Please keep us informed.”
Josie stood, dread mixing with irritation along her shoulders. “Well, I hope I’ve been able to reassure you a little bit. We, of course, will be in contact when we figure out if anything was taken.”