Edge of Mercy (A Kate Reid Novel Book 11), Robin Mahle [freenovel24 .txt] 📗

investigation for the murder of 6 people that we know of. Some of the victims had existing conditions that were exacerbated by an injection that ultimately caused their deaths. Others had been denied oxygen or given something that induced a serious medical reaction. Dr. Whitman, why was something so clearly troubling not reported to the authorities at the time?”

“I am ashamed to say that I respected Carol’s wishes. She had insisted it was merely Theo acting out as his father had only recently passed at that point. We didn’t see any sort of similar behavior from him after that. I suppose we thought it had gone away. So when you say that someone is helping Theo escape justice, I can say with certainty that it is not Carol nor me.”

Kate stood up. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Whitman. If you or your wife do hear from Theo, please, it’s imperative that you reach out to us.” She handed him a business card. “Sorry to have interrupted your meal.” Kate pushed in her chair and headed toward the entrance.

Surrey followed and neither said a word until they reached the car when Surrey began, “What the hell was that about?” He opened the car door. “Torture? The kid tortures a dog and no one says a goddam thing?”

Kate stepped inside and turned the engine. “Dr. Bishop died from a heart attack at the age of 45. Seems a little young, doesn’t it?”

“What are you saying?” Surrey asked.

“I’m saying, maybe these rescued victims weren’t his first kills. Given what we know now, don’t you think it’s possible he could’ve killed his own father?”

“You heard what Whitman said back there. Theodore Bishop idolized his father,” Surrey replied.

“Okay. Say he put his dad on a pedestal. None of us is perfect. What if Dr. Eugene Bishop did something to make Theo reconsider who his father was?”

Surrey peered through the passenger window. “If that’s the case, then we’re dealing with a man far more dangerous than you might’ve originally thought.”

Kate and her shadow-partner arrived at the Vital Records Department in Providence.

“We know the father died from a heart attack, Reid. What are you hoping to gain by pulling his death certificate?” Surrey asked.

“I want to see the name of the doctor who called it. The physician who completed the death certificate. Then I want to find him.”

“Fair enough.” Surrey followed her inside the building.

“Hello, I’m FBI Special Agent Reid.” Kate approached the information desk. “I’m looking to pull a death certificate from 2004.”

The hefty, older woman behind the desk appeared boorish and rolled her eyes after noting Kate’s badge. “Name?” She pulled toward her monitor.

“Dr. Eugene Bishop. Died in September of 2004.”

“One moment.” Her fingers sped across the keyboard as if she’d done this a thousand times. She probably had. “Dr. Eugene Bishop.” She looked at Kate. “You want me to print this up for you? I’ll have to charge you $5 for a copy.”

“That’s fine. Yes, I would like a printed copy. Thank you.” Kate pulled out a five from the wallet inside her coat pocket. When the woman returned with the copy, she looked at the money Kate had placed on the counter.

“Sorry, no cash. Apparently, they don’t trust us with cash. Credit or debit only. Swipe your card right here.” She pointed at the card reader.

“Okay.” Kate again pulled out her wallet, returned the cash, and inserted her card.

A receipt printed from below the desk and the woman ripped it away. “Here you go, ma’am.”

“Thank you so much for your help. Have a nice day.” Kate walked toward the double doors. “Nice lady.” She whispered to Surrey.

“Yeah. A real gem,” he replied.

As they made their way outside, they stopped beneath the overhang of the building.

“So? Who was the doctor?” he asked.

Kate held the copy of the death certificate so they could both see it. “Um, oh, here it is. Dr. Phillip Hilgard. Our Lady of Mercy.” She looked at Surrey. “There sure are a lot of connections to this hospital.”

“Well, Dr. Bishop had been the Chief of Surgery. It shouldn’t be too surprising he was brought there. Or maybe he had gone there when he experienced chest pains.”

“It’s something I’ll bet Dr. Hilgard can help us out with.”

“There’s something else to consider, here, Reid. Like the fact he may no longer work for the hospital. The father died in 2004.”

“You know what? You’re exactly right.” Kate retrieved her phone. “Let’s find out if he still works there.” She peered at him. “I guess there was a reason for you to be here.”

The line answered. “Our Lady of Mercy Hospital. How may I direct your call?”

“I’d like to speak to Dr. Phillip Hilgard. I’m with the FBI and it’s important I speak to him.”

“One moment please.”

The operator placed Kate on hold. “He must still work there. They put me on hold.” The line answered again. “Hello?”

“Yes, this is Dr. Hilgard. How can I help you?”

“Doctor, I’m Agent Reid and my partner and I would like to talk to you about Dr. Eugene Bishop. He passed away from a heart attack in…”

“I know who he was,” Hilgard replied. “What do you need to know?”

“Well, I’d like to review his medical records with you and discuss the circumstances surrounding his death.”

“I’m sorry. Do you have a warrant, Agent Reid? Permission from the family? I’m sure you understand that medical records are confidential, even in the event of a patient’s death.”

“I do not have a warrant.” Kate shot a look to Surrey. “It wouldn’t be difficult for me to get one, but I thought you might be able to share some insight into Dr. Bishop’s medical condition.”

“What is this about, anyway?” Hilgard asked. “He died more than 15 years ago. What could possibly be relevant to you today?”

“His son, Dr. Theodore Bishop, is wanted in connection to multiple homicides, Dr. Hilgard. That is why I’m looking into the death of his father.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t help you.”

The line went dead and Kate pulled the