Courting Death - Carol Stephenson [50]
“I bet Dr. Chang has a resume a mile long.”
She blinked and glanced down. “Actually, he does. Serves on numerous hospitals and boards.”
“Including Oceanview.”
“Yes.” She frowned. “If you don’t think Dr. Chang’s any good, I have other names.”
“Dad mentioned more than once you had a head for figures, which is why he always thought you’d join the business. You’re also handy with computers as I understand it.”
Her shoulders stiffened. “I was a double major in business and computer information systems in college.”
“Good. I want you to dig into every source of financial information you can on every name that’s listed on the board. If they stole their lunch money, I want to know about it.” I swung my feet down to the ground and stood.
“If you need me, I’m going to check out the super expert Dr. Chang.”
With a concerned expression, Melissa also rose. “Nicole, what’s wrong?”
I gave her a tight smile and grabbed my bag. “Lesson number one in criminal defense. There’s nothing more humbling than knowing your client is setting you up from the start for an appeal based on her attorney’s incompetency.”
Dr. Lee Chang gestured at a leather chair in his spacious office. “Ms. Sterling, please have a seat.” He went around the clean-lined modern desk and sat down in an executive-style leather chair. Leaning forward, he clasped his hands.
“I was absolutely thrilled when Brian approached me about my being an expert witness. I’d been following poor Claire’s case quite closely.”
I balanced a portfolio with a notepad on my knee. “I was wondering how I could show up and see you immediately.” I’d been so positive I would get in that I hadn’t even had the office alert him I was coming.
He gave me an unabashed grin. “Even as we speak, my secretary is moving several appointments. Normally I’m booked for months in advance.”
I glanced over at the bank of windows. Dr. Chang’s office was located in yet another medical complex that had sprung up on the western edge of Palm Beach County close to where a new hospital had been built.
“I appreciate your time. As you know, my client’s been charged with the death of her baby girl. Complications in our defense include the couple losing their first child to sudden infant death syndrome.”
Dr. Chang shook his head. “Not a rarity for a family to lose more than one child to SIDS. However, as I understand it, infant apnea caused the most recent mortality.”
“I was hoping you could help me there, Doctor.”
“I’ve conducted published statistical studies that I’ll be able to use and explain to the jury.”
“In our favor?”
His lips twitched. “Of course, Ms. Sterling.”
“It’s Nicole. If we reach an agreement about your being our expert, I will want to review those studies and go over all aspects of your testimony.”
“Of course.” He nodded. “You said ‘complications.’ Would the other one be the fact that the child’s organs were removed?”
“Yes.”
“Monstrous.”
Perfect opening. “Yes, it was. I understand that you serve on the Oceanview’s board of directors.”
“I have the honor.”
“Won’t that present a conflict for you?”
A small furrow appeared between his brows. “I’m not following you.”
“The baby’s organs were removed at some point between the Whitmans’ house and the funeral home. One of the suspected places is the hospital.”
His expression cleared. “Dr. Cruz has been reassured by the police that the desecration occurred at the funeral home.”
That would be nice and tidy, but somehow I doubted if that was how Sam viewed it.
“You have to be prepared in the event the prosecutor raises the issue.”
Dr. Chang leaned back in his chair. “I’ll have a ready enough reason, Nicole. I have privileges at every major hospital in the county. If it were true the child’s body was mutilated at Oceanview, I’d be properly horrified and would want the culprit brought to justice. With David’s unfortunate death, I don’t think we’ll ever know the truth.”
“How well do you know Dr. Damian Quint?”
He straightened and clasped his