Fertile Ground Read Online Free PDF Page A

found him and wondered why she couldn’t let things be.
    “I have been preoccupied,” he said, stroking her hair. “The stolen money’s part of it. Another fifteen hundred was taken last week, five hundred yesterday, and I have no idea who the hell did it. All cash, of course, so it’s hard to trace.”
    Many of their patients, especially those who traveled
    to the clinic from South America, made cash payments. Each bill was supposedly photocopied, and the money was deposited in the bank only twice a week. “How much is missing in total. Matt?”
    “Over twenty thousand. Not exactly pocket change.”
    She was stunned by the amount. Lifting her head, she stared at him. “Matt, don’t you think you should reconsider and call the police?”
    “You know I don’t want the publicity. I’m changing the safe combination again. This time only Selena will know it. She’s the only one who’ll put cash in the safe, and I know she’s careful about photocopying the money. And I’ll make sure Victor understands that anyone who comes in before or after regular hours has to sign in and out. He’s lax sometimes.” Matthew switched the channel, and canned laughter filled the room.
    “And if there’s another theft, you’ll call the police?”
    “Persistent, aren’t you?” He laughed lightly. “Probably.” He switched channels again, finally settling on CNN. “The money’s not the only problem. We need to find a better anesthetic for the retrievals—I’m not happy patients are waking up agitated. And I’m still trying to figure out what went wrong with the protocols. The results looked so promising!”
    Aside from treating patients, Matthew was doing research on freezing unfertilized eggs. Two weeks ago he’d told her excitedly that he was on the verge of a breakthrough. Days later he’d been dejected—the data were disheartening.
    She squeezed his hand. “The fact that you were so close means that next time you’ll find the answer.” No response. She kicked off her black suede flats, tucked her legs beneath her, and studied him. “What else is bothering you?”
    He grunted. “It’s obvious, huh?” He hesitated. “I may have to fire someone—this has nothing to do with the stolen cash.”
    Her eyes widened. “Who?”
    “I’d rather not say until I’m sure. If I’m wrong, it wouldn’t be fair.”
    “Wrong about whatT’ When he didn’t answer, she rose to her knees and massaged the back of his neck, then his shoulders. “You’re so tense. Matt.”
    “No kidding.” He was silent for a moment, then swiveled to face her. “You can’t tell anyone, but the clinic could be facing a serious lawsuit.”
    His tone was grudging. The clinic was his passion-he’d spent years and endless hours, he’d told her on their second date, convincing investors to share his dream and build one of the most prestigious fertility clinics in the world.
    “Have you talked to Edmond about this?” Edmond Fisk was the chairman of the clinic’s board of directors.
    “Definitely not!” Color tinged his cheeks. “I haven’t told him that someone’s been stealing cash, either. Edmond doesn’t like to hear about problems—he likes solutions. Promise you won’t say anything to him, Lisa.”
    “I promise,” she said, troubled by his vehemence. “Does Sam know?”
    “No. You can’t tell him, either.”
    “Sam isn’t only on staff, Matthew. He’s your friend.” He was Lisa’s friend, too; they’d met in Downstate Medical School in New York. It was Sam Davidson who had encouraged Lisa to interview for a position at the clinic, Sam who’d put in a good word with Matthew, Sam who’d found her this one-bedroom apartment on Keystone in Palms, not far from Westwood and the clinic.
    “You know how easily rumors start. Lisa. A slip of the tongue …” He shook his head. “I’ll tell you everything once I’ve verified what’s going on. Until then, let’s drop it, okay?” “Is that why you were defensive