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Casper looked a little surprised that Casey was so plugged into the goings-on at the hospital His eyes flickered from Casey to Madeline and back

“I see that Madeline had filled you in on the offer that was on the table during the original negotiations,” he replied “I don’t kno things will play out this time But if I have any say, Conrad will be my first choice for the position”

“If he’s up for it,” Madeline said softly

“Yes, of course I didn’t htened just a fraction “I’d never put pressure on him But I remain optimistic”

“We all do”

Casey noted the subtle change in Casper’s body language, and his quick response to Madeline’s qualification Itmore than that the interim hospital administrator was stressed out by the tih-level position was filled by soht mean more

“It was a pleasureher hand

“Please, callfro you, as well I’ve heard and read so much about the Forensic Instincts teaers of evil”

Casey laughed “I like that ie I’ll pass it on to the rest of the teah for irateful former patient Forensic Instincts would like to make a donation to the hospital Can ire it directly to the administrative office?”

Genuine gratitude flickered across Jacob Casper’s face “That would be wonderful We appreciate your generosity”

“And we appreciate the health care services you provide” Casey was ready to le withMadeline alone with Jacob Casey could feel Marc’s presence nearby, and his trained gaze fixed on their client Plus, she wanted to give Madeline tiood word for Emma as a potential—and immediate—candy striper What better tied a nice donation to the hospital?

“I think I’ll get a cup of coffee” Casey left the matter in Madeline’s hands She knehat she had to do “Madeline tolda short speech in a fewforward to it”

“Thank you I appreciate that,” Jacob replied

Casey headed toward the beverage station, leaving Madeline to her task and filing away the conversation she’d just had for later analysis

“How did things go with Jacob Casper?” ClaireCasey at the coffee urn