Dan found the office of Dr. Wesley J. Philips, Psychotherapist, in a small building tucked away in Fleet Street. He entered the reception area and fell under the beady eye of one Beth Simmons who asked for his name.
“Sorry, I’m not a patient as yet. I heard about the doctor from a friend and I just wanted to see if you had any openings for new patients.”
“We deal only with referrals here. You will need to see your physician first.”
The tone was not welcoming so Dan turned on his best smile and lent a quaver to his voice to garner some sympathy.
“It’s just that I have had trouble with treatment before. What kind of man is Dr. Philips? Is he sympathetic to guys with marriage problems? Is he married himself?”
The receptionist was taken aback by this approach.
“Young man, I am not in the habit of answering such intrusive questions about my employer. I can assure you he is sympathetic to all his patients.”
“But have you known him for a long time?”
“I am happy to say I have worked for the gentleman since long before his marriage and hope to continue with him for many years. Now, please leave. A registered patient will be arriving soon.”
Dan smiled. He had what he needed; now to check his sources to find out the good doctor’s home address. Unlisted likely, but that would not stop him. He had a bloodhound’s sense that this story was about to prove a money-spinner for him.
He chuckled as he emerged from the building into the dusky evening. Here he was, only a stone’s throw from the biggest newspaper companies in London and none of them had ferreted out this huge story right under their noses. He was going to get great satisfaction from putting one over on all the bigwigs who had turned him down for a job in the past. This story would put him in the major leagues. Money would no longer be a problem. He could write his own ticket from here on.
He rubbed his hands together. He might condescend to take Jess out for another meal when the story broke, but he did not intend to continue with her. She had been useful for a while although she had a shifty look about her that made him uneasy.
When he was in the money there would be far better choices for him among the city’s young and beautiful people.