Page 30 of What the Wife Knew

Elias winced. “Yes and no. There were several accusations, some of which were unexpected.”

More legal vomit. “You used a lot of words to avoid saying anything interesting.”

“Mr. Cullen insists Richmond wasn’t the one who actually performed the surgery.”

“What? I don’t get it.”

“Peter received an anonymous tip that Richmond had someone step in for him during surgery. Allegedly, that person didn’t have the necessary oversight and surgical skills, which caused Ben’s death.” Elias started to take out his cell when it buzzed but then stopped. Even he must have realized prioritizing anything else above this conversation was a bad idea. “This source claimed to work at the hospital and contends Richmond frequently relied on other people to perform his surgeries for him.”

The allegation didn’t make sense. “I know there are teaching hospitals. Is that what we’re talking about?”

“No. Richmond and everyone in the room insist Richmondwas the one in control during the entire eight-hour operation and that he did everything possible to save Ben.”

Richmond insistswas a bad start to any defense. “Were these other professionals in the room employed by Richmond or the hospital?”

“They were handpicked by Richmond.” Elias quickly pivoted, not leaving room for questions. “Mr. Cullen is convinced Richmond had a drinking problem or some other issue that drove him out of surgery and that the hospital and members of the surgical team are conspiring to cover it up.”

“I didn’t see any signs of drug or alcohol use.” I supported any question anyone had about Richmond without much convincing or any evidence. But this? “Richmond wasn’t a total dumbass. Why would he take the risk of handing off the surgery?”

“He wouldn’t. He shouldn’t need to with his expertise.”

Hmmm.Too quick. Too practiced. Too sure. “What aren’t you saying?”

“Mr. Cullen obtained a lawyer and was threatening to sue Richmond before his death. The hospital is involved.”

Not a surprise. But, no, there was something else. Some nugget of ugly information Elias was dancing around to avoid spitting it out. If I couldn’t get it from him, I’d find someone else. “What’s the name of the person who supposedly performed the surgery? Was it Thomas? That guy seems like a problem.”

“August Christopher. He’s a doctor who frequently assisted Richmond during complex surgeries.”

An unusual jumpiness radiated off Elias. It made me nervous. “What does August say about all of this? Where is he?”

“He separated from the hospital and the medical practice andleft town right after Richmond died. There’s been an issue with finding him.”

Bingo.“You mean he’s gone.”

“He’s been difficult to locate.”

Elias sure did like to have the last word. He’d learn I did, too. “Let’s skip the verbal gymnastics. You’re saying a person who could have ruined Richmond’s reputation is missing.”

“What are you implying?”

That Richmond might have killed again.

Chapter Twenty-One

Her

Present Day

The steady stream of alarm-ignoring unwanted drop-in visitors and the threat of an impending police search made me twitchy. A walk of the property seemed in order. Not that it was a quick process. Three acres filled with lots of bushes and flower beds perfect for hiding a potentially incriminating bat took more than a few minutes to search.

The temperature had finally dropped as New York started its march into fall. A patchwork of red and orange foliage lit up the yard and lined the town’s streets. The fiery colors contrasted with the early October gray clouds. I’d slipped an oversized sweater over my T-shirt to ward off the chill as I checked for obvious signs of evidence planting.

The most likely place had been the three-car garage or one of Richmond’s two vehicles sitting untouched in there. The area had the benefit of nooks and shelves and cabinets. Someone could hide the bat, even stick it under a car seat, where it would be found but not easily. One of those clever hiding places the police would think to check but the person framing me might believe I wasn’t smart enough to avoid.

I didn’t find anything. Before I tore apart the house for a second time, I headed for the two outbuildings on the property. Neither sat near the house. Both provided ample opportunities to hide shit.

One building was a fancy-looking shed that housed the garden equipment. The other was a greenhouse. It was in pristine shape but empty because Richmond didn’t care about flowers and Kathryn never had the chance to move in and fill it.

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