The Body Thief

by Chris Taylor

  “Would you please tell me about the procedure from the time consent for organ donation is obtained to when a patient is taken off life support.”

  The nurse recalled for Rohan the timeline, like the other staff members had done. He scribbled a few notes and then asked the next question. “Is there any time during the organ retrieval process when a doctor is left alone with the patient?”

  “No. The operating room is a hive of activity. Depending upon the type of organs being harvested, there can be up to four or five retrieval teams involved. That’s a lot of people. The room is most definitely crowded.”

  Rohan nodded. The information supplied by the nurse was consistent with all the others. “I assume that as each retrieval team takes possession of their organ or organs, they leave the room. Time’s of the essence here, right?”

  “Right.”

  “So at some point, after the donated organs have been removed, there are very few people in the room. Perhaps the lead surgeon and a theater nurse?”

  “Yes, that’s correct.”

  “Who sutures the wounds closed?”

  “Usually the surgeon in control of the organ harvesting.”

  “Is it possible that, at this time, the doctor could be alone with the patient?”

  The nurse paused. “I guess it’s possible. The pressure has dissipated by then. The organs have been removed and sent on their way. The retrieval teams have accompanied them. The only people left are the hospital staff rostered on for that shift. Because the rush is over, people are a lot more relaxed by then.”

  “So if a doctor suggested you take a break and he would finish up, would that sound reasonable?”

  “Yes.”

  “Have you ever had a doctor suggest you take a break and leave him to finish whatever needs to be done?”

  “Yes.”

  Rohan’s breath caught and his heart began to pound. None of the staff he’d spoken to had answered that question in the affirmative. “And have you taken that break, leaving the doctor alone with the patient?”

  “Yes.”

  “Who was the doctor who made such a suggestion?” he asked and could barely wait for the answer.

  The nurse eyed him steadily. “It was Doctor Alistair Wolfe.”

  Bingo.

  Rohan’s blood pulsed loudly in his ears. His heart beat doubled in pace. “How often has this happened?”

  The nurse shrugged. “I’m not sure. At least once or twice a week, I guess. It’s usually after a late shift. I’m more than happy to take him up on his suggestion.” Her features suddenly clouded with fear. “I hope I haven’t done anything wrong?”

  After reassuring the nurse she wasn’t in trouble, Rohan thanked her for her time and saw her to the door. Slowly, he sunk into his seat and leaned his elbows on the desk. With his head in his hands, he released a heavy sigh. He should have been elated to finally have concrete evidence to confirm his suspicions, but all he felt was dread. When Samantha discovered what her brother had been up to, she’d be devastated, along with the rest of her family.

  Knowing there was nothing he could do about it, Rohan pulled himself together and interviewed the two remaining nurses. Both of them told him that Doctor Alistair Wolfe had released them early from their shift after an organ recovery procedure on more than one occasion.

  When the last nurse left the interview room, Rohan’s thoughts turned to Bryce and he wondered how his colleague had fared. Reaching for his cell phone, he pulled it out of his pocket and checked the screen.

  “Dammit.” While his phone was switched to silent he’d missed two calls from Samantha. No doubt she wanted to talk about their magical night and set up another date. He thought of what lay ahead of him and was glad he hadn’t answered her calls. As much as he wanted to hear her voice, now definitely wasn’t the best time.

  Once he’d conferred with Bryce and gotten the okay from their boss, he’d be searching the corridors of the hospital for Alistair Wolfe. He’d have a list of charges in one hand and a pair of handcuffs in the other. As much as it pained him to admit it, more than likely it would be a long time before he spoke to Samantha again.

  With a sigh of resignation, he ignored the evidence that she’d tried to contact him and speed-dialed Bryce. It was time to put things into motion. After that, there would be plenty of time for Rohan to survey the carnage and see what could be done to resurrect what was left of his relationship with the woman he loved.

  * * *

  Alistair glanced over his shoulder, relieved to find the hospital corridor behind him was clear. Thanks to a loyal staff member, he’d been tipped off that the police were at the hospital, interviewing the theater nurses. Panic rose up inside him at the thought the net might be closing in, but he refused to believe they knew enough to arrest him.

  Richard had assured him that the morgue’s computer files had been deleted. Without that proof, there was no way of knowing if the paperwork matched up with the state of the bodies. It was just that he was feeling edgy and off balance after the phone call from his sister. Knowing Sam had probably guessed what he’d been doing unsettled him.

  He hadn’t planned to tell her. Despite the fact she believed as strongly as he did in organ and tissue donation, he didn’t think she’d approve of his methods. It was best for all concerned that he keep his activities a secret. But now, it seemed the secret was out. He could only hope her loyalty to him would prove stronger than her ethics.

  Striding out through the automatic front entry doors of the hospital, he breathed a sigh of relief. So far, so good. He had to get to the morgue and convince Sam to keep quiet before it was too late. Sliding behind the wheel of his Ferrari, he gunned the engine and sped off down the street. Within minutes, he’d pulled up outside the Glebe Morgue.

  With his heart pounding, he forced a smile on his face and greeted the young receptionist.

  “Hi, I’m Alistair Wolfe. I was wondering if I could see Samantha?”

  The girl smiled back at him. “You’re Sam’s brother. I can see the resemblance. Just a minute and I’ll let her know you’re here. We’ve had some distressing news this morning about a colleague. I’m not sure if she’s up to visitors.”

  Alistair nodded in understanding, his expression grave. “I know. Phillip Bond. Sam called me. Very, very sad. It’s the reason I’m here. She asked me to come and get her. She doesn’t feel up to driving herself home.”

  The lies rolled off his tongue and he was relieved when the girl appeared to believe him.

  “Of course,” she said. “I understand. Sam and Phillip were good friends.” She stood and came around the counter and went up to a closed door. Punching in a security code, she held it open.

  “Do you know where Sam’s office is?”

  “Yes. And thank you, I appreciate everything you’ve done. This must be pretty tough on you, too.”

  The girl drew in a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. “Yes, it’s difficult for all of us.”

  Throwing her another sympathetic look, Alistair walked through the doorway. He’d only been to Sam’s workplace a couple of times, but it wasn’t hard to locate the row of offices that opened onto the main corridor. His boots made a noise on the linoleum floor, but he didn’t pay them any heed. He kept his attention focused on finding his sister and working out what he’d say to her when he did.

  Richard stepped out of an office directly ahead. He froze at the sight of Alistair. “Wh-what are you doing here?”

  Alistair took in Richard’s swollen eyes and blotchy, red complexion and felt a stab of sympathy for his friend. The man had lost a work colleague in tragic circumstances. He deserved a little kindness and understanding.

  “I’m sorry to hear about Phillip,” Alistair said quietly. “It must have been an awful shock.”

  Some of the tension left Richard’s face and he nodded jerkily. “Yes, it was. To all of us. What are you doing here?” he repeated a little more forcefully.

  “I’m here to see Sam, but I
’m glad I ran into you. I wanted to say thanks for coming through for me on our other…arrangement. The police have been interviewing hospital staff all morning. They think they’re onto something, but they won’t have any tangible evidence of wrongdoing without those files. I owe you one.”

  Richard nodded, but his face lost all color and fear flashed in his eyes. Alistair frowned. What the hell was going on? A sense of foreboding crept through his veins. He stepped closer to Richard and narrowed his gaze.

  “You did destroy those files, didn’t you?” he said, his tone conveying a promise of menace if the answer was in the negative.

  Richard took a step backward and wouldn’t meet his gaze. Alistair’s concern ratcheted up another notch.

  “Richard, tell me you destroyed those files. You called and told me it was done. Were you fucking lying?”

  Richard shrank back against the wall at the anger in Alistair’s voice. “N-no! Of course not! I did! I deleted them off the database. But—”

  “But what?” Alistair shouted, his temper getting the better of him. Christ, if the police had the files, it was only a matter of time before he felt the noose around his neck.

  “I-I forgot about the hard copies—the paper files we store out in the back. And… And there’s also a backup. It’s possible the police might still get their hands on them.”

  For a moment, fury and disbelief left Alistair speechless. A moment later, he exploded. “Fuck! You idiot! Do you know what you’ve done?” Rushing forward, he grabbed Richard by the throat and shook him.

  “Stop! Please, Alistair! Let me go! I-I can’t breathe!”

  The sound of Richard’s pleading only infuriated Alistair further. He should never have trusted the incompetent idiot in the first place. Any moment, Alistair’s world could come crashing down around him and it was all this bastard’s fault. Drawing back his fist, he prepared to drive it into Richard’s face. A shout from behind stopped him.

  “Alistair! What are you doing?”

  Alistair lowered his hand and slowly turned around to face his sister. She stared at him, white-faced with shock. Her gaze went to Richard and slowly her expression turned from horror to disbelief.

  “Richard? No, not you. Not you, too! Please tell me you’re not involved in this. I can’t bear to think that both of you…”

  With a gasp, she turned on her heel and ran back into her office. Alistair threw Richard a glare to let the man know this was far from over and then hurriedly followed Sam. She was bent over a desk with a phone in her hand when he came in.

  “Please, I need the police. The Glebe Morgue. Fifty Parramatta Road. Hurry!”

  Alistair stared at his sister, unable to believe what she’d done. Her betrayal cut him to the quick. “You called the police?”

  She held his gaze, her eyes fierce with determination. “Yes.”

  He shook his head. “Fuck. Why, Sam? Why?”

  The fire went out of her and all at once she looked stricken. “I can’t believe you’re asking me that! What would you have me do? Turn a blind eye and pat you on the back? You must be mad, Alistair!”

  Hurt and disappointment nearly overwhelmed him. He’d been sure his baby sister would understand. After all, he’d done it for their mother and for all people like her who needed donated organs to stay alive. It wasn’t about him. It had never been about him.

  With another curse, he turned away and strode back down the hall. The police were already on their way. He had minutes to make good his escape.

  * * *

  Rohan heard the dispatcher relay the emergency call over his radio only moments before he screeched to a halt outside the Glebe Morgue. Alistair’s bright red Ferrari was parked close by. An earlier search of the hospital had failed to locate him, but Rohan and Bryce had been lucky when a security guard manning the car park had alerted them that Alistair had left the hospital.

  Jumping out of the squad car, Rohan and Bryce charged toward the building. They’d barely made the first two steps when the front doors slid open. Alistair came barreling out toward them, oblivious to their presence. With a shout, Rohan drew his service revolver and pointed it directly at Samantha’s brother.

  “Police! Put your hands up!” Rohan shouted and waited for Alistair to comply. As soon as he had, Bryce shouted for Alistair to get down on the ground. Screaming obscenities, Alistair reluctantly did as he was told. Quickly, Rohan handcuffed him and then stood him on his feet.

  “This is bullshit!” Alistair shouted. “Somebody call my lawyer! I’m innocent! I didn’t do anything! Talk to the fucking deputy coroner! I’m not going down on my own for this!”

  Rohan led him down the steps to the unmarked squad car and helped him into the back seat. Alistair continued to rant and rave all the way back to the station and Rohan began to listen…

  The deputy coroner’s name came up again and this time, Rohan frowned and considered it. Richard Davis had authorized the organ retrieval for every one of Alistair’s autopsy patients. The man was worth a closer look.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Sam stared at her phone and willed it to ring. She’d called Rohan three times, but the calls had gone through to voicemail. After her shock at finding Alistair in her building and placing the emergency call, she’d locked herself in her office, too distressed to go anywhere.

  It was more than an hour since it had happened and she still couldn’t believe what Alistair and Richard had done. The very thought was sickening. She didn’t know that she’d ever get over it. As if the day hadn’t already been grueling enough.

  Earlier, she’d finished Phillip’s autopsy and had entered her findings into the department’s database. The cause of death was a massive heart attack. It must have happened while he was behind the wheel. He’d lost control of the car and hit a tree. He hadn’t stood a chance.

  Her findings ruled out suicide and paved the way for his family to collect on his insurance policy. That was little comfort and certainly wasn’t going to bring their husband and father back, but Sam hoped that knowing they had some financial security would help a little in coming to terms with their loss.

  A hesitant knock sounded on the closed door to her office. Sam turned with zero interest and even less enthusiasm and unlocked the door and told whoever it was to enter.

  Angie appeared looking tense and pale. Sam wasn’t the only one grieving over the tragic loss of a colleague and good friend.

  “Hi, Angie,” she managed quietly. “How are you doing?”

  Angie trembled. “I came into the office as soon as I heard. I’m devastated, Sam. Like we all are. Phillip was such a good man! I can’t believe I’ll never see him again.”

  Sam sighed. “Yeah, me neither. It’s going to be tough on everyone for a while. I guess we just have to accept his time was up.”

  Angie’s eyebrow rose. “Do you know how he died?”

  “A heart attack. He wouldn’t have felt a thing. I guess for that we can be grateful.”

  Angie nodded somberly and then looked down. In her hands she held an iPad. She looked up at Sam and then back down again and Sam sensed there was more the girl wanted to say.

  “What is it, Angie? Talk to me. It’s better that way. We need to remember Phillip—how he was, and all the good things he’s done. It’s okay to reminisce and share—”

  “It’s not about Phillip. Well, it is that too… I mean, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I know you and Phillip were close. But…there’s something else. Something I think you should see.”

  She held the iPad out and Sam frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Open Safari and go to YouTube.”

  Sam did as she was told, wondering at Angie’s strange request. The girl was once again fidgeting and had her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. A sense of unease took hold of Sam and all of a sudden, she didn’t want to see. She thrust the iPad aside and shook her head.

  “I don’t think this is a good time, Angie. I’m sure it can wait until later.”

&nb
sp; “No! Please, Sam. You need to watch it. Trust me.”

  The girl stared at her with such an intense expression, Sam had no choice but to obey. Once again picking up the iPad, she opened Safari. The page loaded onto the YouTube website and a video appeared. It had been uploaded by a user less than half an hour earlier. Sam read the heading and gasped in shock tinged with sad resignation.

  “RESPECTED DOCTOR ARRESTED OUTSIDE GLEBE MORGUE”

  The video showed Rohan and his partner leading her brother down the front stairs of her building, toward a squad car. Alistair was shouting obscenities as he went. When the trio passed the videographer, Sam realized her brother was in handcuffs. She gasped again.

  Helplessness and anger burst like fire through her veins. It didn’t matter whether Alistair was guilty or innocent. What mattered was that the man she’d so recently declared her love for, must have known all along what was planned. How else had he responded to the emergency call so quickly? His station wasn’t the closest, by far.

  Her call to the emergency operator had given no hint about the problem. She hadn’t even mentioned her brother by name. For Rohan to have arrested Alistair, he must have had other evidence against her brother that she was unaware of. It made her wonder how long Rohan had been in possession of such information.

  She didn’t believe for an instant the arrest of such a high profile doctor had been done on the spur of the moment, or without considerable evidence gathered. Each detail would have been planned and discussed and reviewed from every angle and it wouldn’t have been done in the past hour—or even earlier that day. That meant only one thing.

  While Rohan had been making sweet and tender love to her, all that time they were together, he’d known what was in store for her brother. Rohan had left her bed and gone to work with the intention of arresting him and sending him to jail.