After the noon conference, Jack caught up with Madison and accompanied her to the auditorium exit. Most of the physicians had dispersed but a few remained in the expansive atrium talking in small groups.
“What do you think about Sinclair’s parvovirus theory?” Madison asked.
“I’m a neurologist. What I know about parvovirus infections wouldn’t fill a thimble.”
“The most common one is called fifth disease and is seen mostly in children. It’s generally a mild flu-like illness that’s frequently accompanied by a very distinctive rash. It’s called a slap-cheek rash because it’s bright red and looks like the patient’s been smacked. Most women already have natural immunity to the virus before they ever get pregnant. If not, there’s a vaccine. The few who do get the illness usually have a pretty mild case, and there’s only a very small chance they can pass it along to the baby.”
“What happens if the virus does reach the baby?”
“They generally do okay,” Madison explained. “But a few will develop serious heart and liver problems, and very occasionally, the disease is fatal.”
“I’ll ask you the same thing you asked me. Do you think there’s any chance Sinclair’s right about some new strain of parvovirus being the cause of GNS?”
“Hollis is an extremely well-read, talented doctor. But I don’t know if he’s truly convinced GNS’s a viral infection or he’s just showboating for the hospital board hoping to find a shortcut to the chief of neurology’s office. He’s made no secret that he sees himself as the only logical choice for the position.”
“His personal agenda aside, sometimes a physician can have a vague hunch about a disease that turns out to be right on the money.”
“I guess anything’s possible,” she said, “But I prefer to practice medicine by sticking to proven scientific facts. At the moment, this parvovirus theory has all the scientific basis of an Ouija board prediction.”
“You said the rash was very distinctive. It almost sounds a little like the one Tess and the other women developed. Maybe that’s why Sinclair’s convinced GNS is a parvovirus infection.” They exited the stairwell on the second floor and then made their way toward the ICU. They continued to talk about the cases, focusing on what further diagnostic steps could be taken that might lead to an answer. “I’m supposed to meet with Isabella’s grandmother in a few minutes,” Jack said, stealing a glance at his watch. “Do you think we should touch base before our meeting with Helen?”
She shrugged. “I don’t but if you think it’s necessary, I will—”
“No. I just thought it might be a good way to…”
“I have a lot to do, so unless there’s anything pressing, I’ll see you at the meeting.”
He cleared his throat twice and said, “Absolutely, sounds good.”
With slumped shoulders, Jack watched Madison disappear down the hall. He felt as if he were in eleventh grade and had just been turned down cold for a date. Although she’d been a little more civil to him since they spoke on the plane, it was apparent she had no intention of forgetting the past. After an inward sigh, he told himself that Madison’s opinion of him had no bearing on anything. She had promised to work with him in a collegial and productive manner, and that was all that mattered. Jack started down the hall toward Isabella’s room. He hadn’t taken more than a few steps when he made a firm promise to himself to accept the way Madison Shaw felt about him, and give up the ghost trying to convince her he was a decent guy.