"Kiser, Marcia - Doctor Of Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kiser Marcia)

"So, maybe Dr. Green sees herself as some kind of avenging angel, huh?"

"That may be, Detective Sanchez. I just know that seven people are dead and Dr. Green is getting stranger and stranger. I'm worried for the other patients. If she is giving patients some kind of hypnotic suggestion, what's to stop her from giving the patients with a chance of survival the same suggestion?"

Salida shook her head at the depth of human depravity. "Does Dr. Green take new patients?"

"Some. Usually she takes referrals from doctors with an overflow. She's doesn't have a big practice, which is why I'm able to handle the few patients we have. She doesn't seem to want to be successful. Although, she seems to have plenty of money to spend. After seven years, you would think I'd know her a little better than I do. I've just realized how little I actually know about her. She does have a tendency to keep one at arm's length."

Salida gnawed her lower lip. With the lack of evidence Mrs. Mason described, it would be an uphill battle to convict Dr. Green. Her stomach churned at the thought of lonely, defenseless people being killed on a whim by a doctor, though. She remembered her grandmother's battle with cancer. Even toward the end, when pain wracked her grandmother's body, the old woman had welcomed her family at her bedside. Salida had been in awe of her grandmother's strength and purpose. Her grandmother visited with every member of the family and when the last visit was done, her grandmother died in the night -- at peace. At least, Salida believed she had been at peace.

"Why don't I drop in tomorrow and have a chat with this Dr. Green? Maybe being visited by the police will shake her up enough to make her slip."

"Oh, would you, Detective Sanchez? That would be wonderful."

"Okay, give me the address and I'll see you tomorrow."

Mrs. Mason dutifully recited the address, then looked embarrassed. "I should have told you, Detective, but I quit my job today. I just couldn't stand the idea of working for a murderer."

"I can understand, Mrs. Mason. Give me your address and I'll drop by your place after I visit the good doctor."

***
Salida stared at the unpretentious wooden and glass door with "Dr. Sarah Green, M.D." stenciled in black on the glass. She took a deep breath, girding herself for the alleged monster she was about to meet.

The office was more old-fashioned than Salida expected. Dark green shag carpeting covered the floor. Standard-issue waiting room chairs upholstered in avocado lined one wall and parts of two more. At one end, a counter with a door next to it indicated offices behind. Salida assumed Mrs. Mason had sat at the counter to greet patients. A faint medicinal smell floated on the air making Salida's nose twitch. The shutting door sounded loud in the funereal silence. Hearing no noise, Salida approached the counter. Seeing a small bell, she pressed it and waited. She heard the snick of a door being opened or closed, she couldn't tell which, followed by a lilting, "I'll be out in a minute."

Salida resisted the urge to drum her fingers on the desk and made herself wait patiently. A few minutes later, a young, dark haired woman, with pale skin and vivid red lips appeared around the corner. Salida judged her to be in her early 30s.

"May I help you?"

The voice matched the earlier one, Salida noted. "I'm here to see Dr. Green."

"I'm Dr. Sarah Green. Do you have an appointment? I'm afraid I had to fire my receptionist yesterday, so things are a little confused."

"You fired your receptionist?"

"Well, yes. And without a replacement lined up. But the woman was hopelessly disorganized and constantly prying into the patients medical files."

"I see." Salida felt her stomach twist into a knot. Mrs. Mason had said she quit, but Dr. Green could have concocted a cover story for the other patients.

"I didn't mean to blurt out my problems like that. That wasn't very professional of me. I apologize. Now, let's see. I didn't think anyone was scheduled until late, but I can see you now, if you'd like. Your name was. . .?" Dr. Green trailed off, smiling pleasantly at Salida.

"I'm Detective Salida Sanchez of the Serious Crimes Division. I need to talk to you about the death of Mr. Chet Harvey."

"Mr. Harvey? Oh, my! That was awful. But. . . . I thought it was an accident."

"We just have a few routine questions to ask, Dr. Green."

Dr. Green's professional smile slipped a little. "Why don't you come back to my office, then, Detective? I managed to find the coffee and the pot just finished, if you'd like a cup."