Page 19 of The Truth Will Out
“That’s true. Ruth did her best to step in and prevent the situation from escalating by switching those patients to either Helen or me. Most of it was done on the quiet rather than set Robert off. However, there’s no way any of those patients would have sought revenge; at least, I don’t think they would have.”
“When was the last time a patient was transferred to either you or Doctor Hagan?” Sam asked.
Doctor Attle considered the question for a few moments, then replied, “Hard to say without checking the system.” She turned to her computer and brought up a file. “Ah, yes. Mr Winchell came over to me nearly a year ago. Surely that would be regarded as too long ago, wouldn’t it?”
Sam sighed. “Yes, you’re right. We’re looking for something that might have taken place within the last couple of months.”
She tapped her keyboard and shook her head. “No, I can’t see anything of note on the system. The last patient who switched to Helen was over six months ago; that was Mrs Cooper.”
“Not to worry. Thanks for your help.”
“It’s the least I can do. Is Melinda all right?”
“She was coping when we last saw her. Obviously, the news came as a shock to her. She’d been expecting him to return, just like you had. Do you all leave the premises at the same time at the end of the day?”
“Mostly. Why?”
“I wondered if Robert might have been ambushed in the car park, maybe after his shift?”
“Ambushed? By a disgruntled patient?”
“Yes, or possibly someone working at one of the neighbouring premises whom he might have had a run-in with.”
“Nothing like that has ever happened around here. We have a large enough car park not to affect the other business owners in the vicinity. I really do think you’re barking up the wrong tree, Inspector.”
“I see. Okay, maybe he dropped his guard with you occasionally and revealed what was going on in his personal life?”
Doctor Attle shook her head. “Sorry, it never came to that. Wedidn’t have any real personal chats. I’m sure the others will back me up on that count, too. He was a closed book to everyone. I honestly wish there was something that I could think of that might help you with your investigation. The truth is, there isn’t.”
“Not to worry, it was worth a shot. Would it be all right if we still spoke with Doctor Hagan?”
“Of course. She might come up with something to assist you. I’m sorry to have let you down.”
“You haven’t. Thank you for talking to us. We’ll leave you to get on with your appointments.”
“If you go back to the reception area, Ruth will tell you when Doctor Hagan has a free slot available to see you.”
“Thanks.”
Sam and Bob left the office.
“Another waste of time,” her partner grumbled on their way back.
“Keep the faith, Bob. I’m sure something will come our way soon. It has to.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
Sam sighed. “I haven’t thought about that. Doctor Hagan is our last hope, for now.”
“How did you get on?” Ruth asked as soon as she saw them.
“No good. We’re going to be reliant on what Doctor Hagan can tell us now. Any idea how long she’s going to be?”
Ruth consulted the list on her clipboard. “I’m afraid she won’t be free for another ten minutes or thereabouts.”
“Don’t worry. Can we sit here in the waiting room?”
“Feel free. I’ll let Doctor Hagan know that you’re waiting to speak with her.”
