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She shut the door, turned and shook Casey’s and Marc’s hands “I’ physician”
“Nice to meet you, Dr Oberlin,” Casey replied She quickly scanned the office—lovely and elegant, but as understated as Dr Oberlin herself, with rich walnut rather than stark, in-your-face s “We thank you for your time,” Casey added “We realize it’s valuable”
“Not as valuable as ance “I’ators as visitors This isn’t exactly a social call, and I don’t want Dr Westfield to suffer any setbacks He’s here to recover, not to be agitated”
“We understand that” Casey nodded “I’m sure Madeline Westfield explained the nature of our visit We only want to ask her ex-husband a few questions as this involves her life and her safety”
“She did explain that, which is why I’ this visit The stipulations are that I be present during the interview, and that when I say it’s over, it’s over”
Casey wasn’t happy, but she wasn’t surprised, either Conrad Westfield was a psychiatric patient His physician wasn’t about to let hirilled by two PIs
“Fair enough,” Casey responded “And just so Marc and I knohat to expect, could you summarize Dr Westfield’s currentdoctor-patient confidentiality? We know he had a psychotic break after the loss of his friend and that he came here in a severely depressive state Is he clearheaded?”
Dr Oberlin looked a little put off by the question “If you’re asking if Dr Westfield is in his right mind, the answer is yes He’s depressed, not unaware If his condition were more severe, or if he were unable to understand or answer your questions, I wouldn’t perardless of how dire the circu you I don’t surprise my patients The final decision of who they do or don’t see is theirs Dr Westifield chose to have you here”
“I understand—and we’re very appreciative” Casey cautioned herself to tread lightly The last thing she wanted to do was to offend the wo your judgment I only wanted to knohat to expect so that Marc and I can accomplish e need to as quickly and easily as possible We’re not here to upset your patient, Dr Oberlin You have my word”
That seeht, then” She scooped up a file and gestured toward the door “Let’s go”
“Just one more question” Casey held up her palm for an instant “How much did you tell Conrad Westfield about his ex-wife? Does he know she was burglarized? Almost hit by a car?”
“He knows both,” Dr Oberlin replied “And he’s very concerned”
“Good” Casey nodded “Then we’re ready for our interview”
From a rear view, Conrad Westfield looked like any successfulroom on a day off from work
He was at the roo outside Dressed in designer sweats, he was tall, broad-shouldered and tan, with a full head of salt-and-pepper hair He looked strong and healthy, and not at all bent and broken