“Oh, that’s done at the Erie County Crime Lab. Everything DNA goes there.”

As the two walked together, Val began to relax around Candace. Convinced now she was just being paranoid, assuming everyone would be suspicious of her.

“So, there were two of you fighting for this job? How odd.”

The question came out of nowhere and Val felt her stomach drop. She had no idea what to make of this. Her voice faltered as she said, “Excuse me?”

“We had a devil of a time getting anyone in, and then all of a sudden there were two of you. What did you do to win? We didn’t even interview the other girl. You must have some spectacular credentials.” Her tone implied interest and admiration for Val. But Val couldn’t help but sense something darker in it too.

Fortunately, Val didn’t have to answer because at that moment they arrived at Julia’s office. The door was partially open and Val could see her speaking on the phone. “I don’t care if you file for divorce. I was expecting it anyway, just like this bullshit lawsuit.” There was a pause and then Julia spoke again. “I had nothing to do with that disfigured bitch. Go ahead. Try to sue me.”

Candace grabbed Val’s arm and led her away quickly. “Dr. DeHaviland seems a little busy right now. Why don’t I show you your own office? We’ll catch up with her later.”

They were barely away from the door when she whispered in Val’s ear, “I’m so sorry you had to hear that. Poor Dr. DeHaviland. Her story is so sad. Everyone in this office knows about it, and I’m sure you’ll hear it sooner or later. Let me just set the record straight for her. I don’t want you to fall prey to any office rumors.”

“What is it?” Val asked reflexively. She couldn’t help it after hearing the words divorce, disfigured bitch, and lawsuit.

“As you just heard, she’s being sued. And that’s not the whole story. The person who’s suing her is her husband’s girlfriend.”

Val’s eyes opened wide.

“Don’t look so shocked. Julia should be commended. Talk about revenge. This woman was one of Julia’s patients—that’s back when Julia used to practice. You might not have known this, but Julia was a plastic surgeon before she came to work here.”

Val remembered that Julia had said she used to be in private practice and waited to hear more of this story.