Reunion - Michael Jan Friedman [58]
“Exactly.”
Ben Zoma shrugged, his eyes glazing over as he gave the proposition some thought. “There were those who asked after Morgen-but no one who actually came out for or against him. Not in my presence, anyway. And as far as influencing the others …” He shook his head. “I couldn’t vouch for all the medical personnel-you’d
have to ask my chief medical officer about that. But Cadwallader and Pug hardly left my side while we were was down there. I doubt anyone could have tampered with them in any way.”
The captain looked at him. “In Pug’s case, it might not take much tampering at all.” He chose his words carefully. “Gilaad … you see him on a daily basis. Has his resentment gone so far that it would make him want to kill?”
Ben Zoma answered without even thinking. “He’s resentful, all right. And in some ways—small ways-it has affected his performance. Certainly, his drinking doesn’t help in that regard either. You’ve seen how he puts away the synthehol.”
Picard nodded.
“But I would bet my life that Pug has nothing to do with these murder attempts. Down deep, he’s a gentle man. He always was a gentle man.”
The captain sighed. “All true. But someone has designs on Morgen’s life. And if it’s not you or Cad or Pug…”
“I know,” Ben Zoma said. “It’s hard to imagine Simenon or Greyhorse practicing violence. And if Idun is innocent, as you say, that doesn’t leave a huge number of suspects, does it?” Picard looked at him. “No. It doesn’t.”
Ben Zoma spread his hands. “I wish I could be of more help, Jean-Luc. I really do.”
For a fleeting moment he resembled Picard’s vision of Jack Crusher. The captain blinked.
“That’s all right,” the captain assured him-just as he had assured Jack. “Eventually, I suppose, we will find the person were looking for. I just hope Morgen survives until then.” He squared his shoulders. “In the meantime, Gilaad, not a word of this to anyone. Not even Morgen or Cadwallader.”
“You’ve got my word,” said Ben Zoma. He stood. “And thank you.” Picard was genuninely confused. “For what?” “For having enough trust in me to confide all this.” The captain nodded. “Just do me one favor.” “What’s that?” asked Ben Zoma. “Don’t turn out to be the murderer.” His friend nodded. “It’s a deal,” he said.
Just then Beverly Crusher’s voice came over the intercom. “Captain Picard?”
“Here, Doctor. One moment, please.” He looked at Ben Zoma meaningfully.
“You want me to leave?” asked the other man. “I do.”
“But I already know what’s going on. And it might be news about Cad.”
“If it is,” the captain assured him, “I’ll let you know.” Ben Zoma frowned. “All right,” he said finally. “It’s your ship. I suppose you can conduct your investigations any way you like.”
Reluctantly, the former first officer of the Stargazer got up and left. The ready room doors closed silently behind him. Looking up, Picard addressed the intercom grid. “Sorry, Doctor. I had some company.”
“I understand. In fact, I had some myself a few moments ago.” “Really.”
“Yes. Greyhorse.”.she took a deep breath-so deep it was audible over the intercom system. “Captain, I told him what was going on. He barged into sickbay and saw Cadwallader and-and it was pretty, obvious what had
happened to her. At that point it made more sense for him to know than to have him asking a lot of questions all over the ship.” Picard cursed inwardly. If he’d been aware of this, he’d never have-
“Sir?”
“Doctor … our friend Greyhorse is not the only one who knows. I just let Ben Zoma in on the details myself.”
For a second or two, Crusher was silent. “Well,” she said, “it seems our secret is no longer as secret as we would like.” “That much is certain. I think it’s time we had another meeting. I’ll see you in the conference lounge in ten minutes.”
“Aye, sir.”
The captain stood. He could feel matters getting out of hand. It was time to rein them in.
Picard looked around the table—at Riker, Troi, Worf, and Crusher. “And so,” he said, “I take full responsibility for my decision to confide in Captain Ben Zoma—just as Dr. Crusher