Robin Cook 1982 - Harmful Intent Read online

  "Law," Jeffrey responded. It was the first subject that came to mind.

  "Very ambitious. So you'll be going to law school for a number of years?"

  "I hope to," Jeffrey said enthusiastically. He could see Bodanski's eyes had brightened. Besides recruitment, housekeeping had a problem of a high turnover rate, especially on the night shift. If Bodanski thought Jeffrey would stay for several years on nights, he'd think it was his lucky day.

  "When would you be interested in starting?" Bodanski asked.

  "As soon as possible," Jeffrey said. "As early as tonight."

  "Tonight?" Bodanski repeated with disbelief. This was really too good to be true.

  Jeffrey shrugged his shoulders. "I've just come to town and I need work.

  Gotta eat."

  "From Framingham?" Bodanski asked, glancing at the application.

  "That's correct," Jeffrey said. He didn't want to get into any discussion about where he'd never been, so he said: "If Boston Memorial can't use me,

  I can head over to St. Joseph's or Boston City."

  "Oh, no. No need for that," Bodanski said quickly. "It's just that things take a little time. I'm sure you understand. You'll have to have a uniform and an ID card. Also there's some paperwork that has to be done before you can start."

  "Well, here I am," Jeffrey said. "Why can't we just get it all over with right away?"

  Bodanski paused for a beat, then said, "Just one moment." He got up from behind his desk and left the office.

  Jeffrey stayed in his seat. He hoped he hadn't been too eager about starting so soon. He looked around Bodanski's office to pass the time.

  There was a silver-framed photo on the desk: a woman standing behind two rosy-cheeked children. It was the only personal touch in the whole room, but a nice one, Jeffrey thought.

  Bodanski returned with a short man with shiny black hair and a friendly smile. He was dressed in a dark green housekeeping uniform. Bodanski introduced him as Jose Martinez. Jeffrey stood up and shook the man's hand.

  He'd seen Martinez many times. He watched the man's face as he had with

  Bodanski, but could detect no sign of recognition.

  "Jose is our head of housekeeping," Bodanski said, with a hand on

  Martinez's shoulder. "I've explained to Jose your wish to get to work right away. Jose is willing to expedite the process, so I'll turn you over to him."