A Caduceus is for Killing by Diana Kirk Read Free Book Online

off."
    Suzanne took a deep breath and continued her rapid-fire dialogue. "There were guards everywhere. I can't believe it. No one would tell me anything. Those cops! They're being so closed- mouthed. No one in Surgery knew, either. Not a soul." Her eyes focused on Sam Trenton. "Oh, uh.. . .Hi! Andrea, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you weren't alone."
    As abruptly as she began, Suzanne stopped.
    "I'm sorry. Suzanne, this is Sergeant Sam Trenton with the Omaha Police Division."
    "Well, I can tell that, Andrea. I have eyes." Suzanne laughed, her gaze roamed up and down Trent's tall, blue-clad frame. "Sorry about that cop remark."
    Suzanne tossed back her hair. Her hand traced along her necklace, fingering the charm nestled in her ample cleavage. Andrea watched with a twinge of envy. Suzanne could have any man she wanted. She oozed sexuality. No matter what she wore or did to her hair, she looked like a Monet waiting to be framed. Who needed sex when they had brains? Yeah, brains sure got Andrea a long way.
    Even Milton Grafton had only been doing lip service by encouraging her to climb the medical ladder. He knew she'd never be allowed the coveted faculty appointment. Who'd do his scut work? Who'd care for his patients, if she got out of hand and tried to advance?
    God, she sounded like something right out of the Hand-maid's Tale . Yet, there wasn't any advancement in Omaha if she wasn't faculty, and Milton had blocked her appointment. At least, that's what Dean Hardwyn had told her last Friday. She wished she'd seen the letter. Maybe it'd all been a mistake, like the Dean had said. Did Milton really want her out? Jesus! That might be grounds for murder in some people's minds. Were they lying? Was she a suspect? Somehow, she had to get her hands on that letter. With Milton dead, Hardwyn would let her see it. He had to.
    She roused herself. During her daydreaming Trent had been making small talk with Suzanne and she was now accepting his invitation for a light supper at a local pub. The pang of jealousy resurfaced full-blown.
    Andrea had a difficult time finding men who weren't intimidated by her education. And, there were those rare times, like tonight, when she wanted to be thought of as nothing more than just a woman. Sergeant Trenton gave all the signs of being impressed with Suzanne, with her dark brown hair, light blue eyes, and perfectly-proportioned, large breasts. A small waist and narrow hips made them look even larger. Andrea loved Suzanne like a sister, but the girl was too promiscuous.
    "I know what will help, Andy," Suzanne said. "Come with us. It'll do you good to get your mind off today. Besides, you need something to eat. Trent just said it's a hang out for cops and it's the best food in the world."
    "No thanks, Suzanne. You go ahead. I really need to lie down and rest. My nerves are a wreck. I'm exhausted. I'm not very hungry, anyway." Andrea edged toward the bathroom. The last thing she needed right now was to be the third person on a date. Her best prospect for the night was a nice hot shower with lots and lots of soap.
    "We'll see how you feel later, Andy." Suzanne turned toward Trenton. "Well, okay, I guess it's just you and me."
    He smiled. "I have to stop by the station and check out my dailies. Can I meet you around eight? If you drive yourself, it'll save time."
    "No problem, Sam. That'll give me time to freshen up a little. I'm sure Andrea will change her mind by then. See you at eight." Suzanne's throaty voice always had just the right inflection to it. She walked to the door and locked her arm in Sergeant Trenton's.
    "Wow! That guy is a dream!" Suzanne closed the door. "You doctors have all the luck."
    "I don't call being involved in Milton's murder luck."
    "Don't be so stuffy, Andrea. You know what I mean. Trent looks like an Israeli border guard, except he's taller."
    "What