Always Kiss the Corpse Read Online Free PDF

brilliant with the others. Johnson is perfect, and so is Gustavson. We all agreed on Vasiliadis’ course of treatment.”
    Richard said, “I should have re-analyzed the tests.”
    â€œThat’s my job! And Terry’s!” Lorna’s hands were clenched tightly on the table.
    â€œWe’ll learn from Vasiliadis,” said Stockman. “We already have.”
    â€We have to do something, Stock,” said Gary.
    â€œWhy? What?” Gary in active mode: Stockman felt wary.
    â€œNo we don’t,” Lorna said. “We were his physicians. We did what we thought best. The only thing is to continue our work.” She glanced around the table. Gary’s right hand clamped itself into a fist, then he stretched his fingers. Richard stared at the table. In Stockman’s eyes she saw agreement. “Okay?”
    Stockman said, “I think yes. If we could bring Vasiliadis back, we’d all do everything we could for him. But he killed himself.”
    â€œWith a hormonal stew tearing up his brain and his body,” Richard muttered.
    Stockman turned to him. “What would you like to do about it, Richard?”
    Richard Trevelyan stared at the backs of his hands. He shrugged. “It’s too late for Vasiliadis.” He glanced from one to the other, his eyes damp. “The work has to go on, that’s the important thing.”
    â€œShit,” said Gary. “I really thought he was calmed out.”
    â€œWe are none of us perfect.” said Stockman.
    â€œBut we try to get there,” said Lorna. And knew she meant it.
    Stockman nodded, as did Richard. Gary raised both arms, hands palms out, his I-give-up gesture, and stood. “I’ve got a patient. Anything else?”
    â€œNothing. Thank you, Gary.”
    Richard too stood. “Yeah,” he said, and walked from the room. Gary followed him out.
    â€œAnd thank you too,” Stockman said to Lorna.
    Lorna nodded. Back in the office she read an article by a colleague in South Africa. Baldini had followed up some groundbreaking work on mating patterns of a fish called Serranus fasciatus . He detailed the transformation of S. fasciatus from its hermaphroditic birth stage to a pure male stage by the reabsorption of ovarian tissue. This process, he’d shown, occurs in only one male of a group, who then becomes dominant. The remaining hermaphrodites comprise his harem. His role was to mate daily with each of them. Easy as pie. For a fish.
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    From Kyra’s balcony Noel stared out across roofs below, the bay and islands. She’d taken his advice, Buy a place with a vista, it’s relaxing on the eyes and the spirit. He turned back to face her. “Great location.”
    â€œThanks. You like the space, too?”
    He took in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and glanced down the hall at the closed bedroom doors. “It’s very good.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œAnd what?”
    â€œMy question precisely.”
    â€œI’m taking it in.”
    â€œOkay. Want a drink to take it in with?”
    He checked his watch. “In a bit.”
    She opened a door. “My office. Your bedroom.”
    Just the makeshift desk, phones, electronics. A reading lamp on the edge of the desk. He hoped the pullout couch made into a firm bed. “Great. No distractions while working or sleeping.”
    She mock-scowled. “I’ve just moved in, Noel.” She picked up the business phone and tapped out Maria Vasiliadis’ number for Garth Schultz. Not there. Not even a machine.
    â€œIt’d be good to see him today.” Noel looked at his watch. “What do you want to do about supper?”
    â€œOut. Lebanese. With the potluck in a couple of days, I’ve got to conserve my energy.”
    â€œRight. And it’s important to keep the kitchen clean.” He caught her small smile. “I’ll unpack.” He headed for the