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Both Marc and Claire had expected just those questions And as they’d decided, Marc took the lead

“We don’t know hio back to her days in Bethesda and my days as a navy SEAL She was an excellent nurse when I needed one So when I ran into her in New York, we caught up I also introduced her to the rest of the Forensic Instincts team”

“So I understand” Jacob nodded “That’s why you all came with her to Ronald’s dedication ceremony”

“That and to make a substantial donation,” Marc reminded him “Claire and Casey were both patients at Manhattan Memorial They had excellent care Our coenerous sum as our thanks”

“And we appreciate that,” Jacob responded as if he aiting for the other shoe to drop

“Madeline and I really hit it off” Claire stepped in where she was supposed to “We talked quite a bit She’s terribly upset about the ru about her ex-husband”

Jacob stiffened even more “What rumors?”

“Ruton’s death”

Sweat broke out on Jacob’s brow “I’ve heard no such rumors And they’d be preposterous Conrad is one of the top cardiothoracic surgeons in the world He tried everything to save Ronald, but to no avail It was a horrible, tragic loss But Conrad’s skill was never in question”

“Perhaps not to you, but others apparently felt differently—some ent so far as to blame Madeline, as well, just because she was in the ICU when Ronald died”

“What?” That one seeenuinely take Jacob aback “That’s beyond absurd Madeline was on the code teaer on Ronald How could she be blamed for his death?”

“I can’t answer that But the rumors are very real and very hurtful,” Claire told him

“And completely uncalled for” Jacob was adamant on that score “There are no two people I respect more than Conrad and Madeline”

Now that ht not be true

“So you really meant it when you said you’d use your influence to recoer is complete?” Marc asked