Chapter 15

I agree Andrew. Arthur Hughes is your man,’ said Lisa.

Andrew had just finished relating George Edwards’ story to Lisa.

They had finished dinner. It was one of those rare evenings where they were both at home at the same time and Lisa had arrived early enough to cook up one of her gourmet meals.

‘That’s all very well,’ Andrew replied. ‘But how do I go about it? I hardly know the man and I can’t just waltz into his office and accuse him of fraud, or worse.’

‘No you can’t but you can see him to discuss your patients. You are running the Glioma Follow Up Clinic and you want to check the biopsy results. You are doing an audit or research project on the follow up patients. I don’t know, you’re the doctor. I’m sure you can think of a plausible reason to see Arthur Hughes.’

Andrew thought for a moment.

‘I’ve got it. I want to correlate the biopsy results with the outcome of the patients. That’s plausible. I just need a good reason to see him and once I’m there, I’ll see where the conversation takes us.’

‘You can log into the hospital from home, can’t you?’

‘Yes.’

‘Okay. Do it. Get into the records of the three patients you know about. You should be able to download the biopsy results and then take them to see Hughes and go from there.’

‘Good idea Lisa.’

Andrew went to the computer. It took about ten minutes. Then the printer came to life and three sheets of paper emerged.

‘I’ve got them Lisa. Three biopsy reports. I’ll ring his secretary in the morning and make an appointment. I think that’s better than just barging in.’

As Andrew was speaking, Lisa picked up the three reports and looked at them absently. Suddenly she stopped.

‘Andrew. You have got to look at this.’

Lisa put the three reports down on the desk side by side.

‘Look Andrew. What do you see?’

‘Lisa, don’t play games. I see three biopsy reports. The reports I just printed off the computer. Why, what do you see?’

‘Come on Doctor. Have a closer look. If I can see it, so should you.’

‘Shit,’ Andrew exclaimed.

‘Shit indeed,’ was Lisa’s reply.

‘They are identical. All three reports. Identical, word for word.’

‘And all three signed by Arthur Hughes,’ said Lisa.

‘What a moron. He was too lazy to fake three separate reports, so he sent the same one out three times. The report would have gone out to different doctors and he would not have expected them to be compared side by side.’

‘I think you have got him now Andrew. These reports are fake. There can be no other explanation. You confront him with these reports and I bet he will cave. From what George Edwards told you, the man sounds like a bit of a weasel.’

‘I’m sure you’re right but I have got to think this through. It’s got to be done right or it might backfire on me. Do you think it’s too late to ring George?’

‘It’s only nine. I can’t image he’s asleep. Do you have his number?’

“He gave me his mobile but I feel a bit uncomfortable ringing him at night. It’s hardly a medical emergency.’

‘So ring him in the morning. First thing.’

‘No. I’m going to ring him now. I can’t wait.’

Lisa shrugged.

Andrew took his mobile phone out of his shirt pocked and dialled the number.

‘George, I’m sorry to ring at this late hour. I hope I’m not disturbing you.’

There was a pause. Lisa was hoping that George was reassuring Andrew that he had not called at an inconvenient time. She presumed that was the case because Andrew then launched into a detailed description of what they had discovered. He was talking excitedly and a little too loudly Lisa thought. When he had finished there was another pause, longer this time.

Andrew then said, ‘Thanks George. I really appreciate it. See you in the morning, 8.30.’

Andrew disconnected the call and turned to Lisa.

‘George is coming to see Arthur Hughes with me. He says he doesn’t need an appointment. We will confront him together and George will back me up. He agrees, Hughes will talk.’

‘This calls for a drink Andrew. I think you need it. Look at you. You look frazzled.’

‘Did I sound okay on the phone? I hope I didn’t come across too strongly to George.’

‘You sounded fine. A little loud maybe but that’s okay. I’m sure George would understand. Now sit down my darling and I’ll get you a drink. And I promise I’ll take care of you.’

I could use a drink, Andrew thought but he didn’t think he was up to being taken care of by Lisa. He was preoccupied with the events of the evening and what would happen the next day. No sooner had he sat down on the couch when Lisa was back with a drink in each hand.

‘Our best single malt Andrew. The fifteen year old Balvenie.’

‘You are being a bit heavy handed with the pouring,’ said Andrew, noticing the half full tumblers Lisa was holding.

‘You deserve it. We deserve it.’

Lisa handed him one of the glasses and they each took a sip. And another and before long, both glasses were empty.

‘Now my man, I’m going to take care of you.’

Andrew was feeling mellow from the scotch and he decided to go with the flow. He let Lisa take care of him. He had a vague recollection of his legs feeling cold and then nothing until they both woke the next morning still on the couch, completely entwined.