“Back again, Inspector!” Sumit said cheerfully as Naresh approached the concierge desk.

“I’m afraid so,” Naresh admitted irritably. In truth, Naresh was not happy with his assignment. Just like yesterday, which led to a disaster, his instructions were hopelessly vague. What did it really mean to keep tabs on Jennifer Hernandez? It was kind of like babysitting. And the more Naresh thought about yesterday’s calamity, the more convinced he was that the fault lay squarely on Ramesh’s shoulders.

“You’re in luck today,” Sumit said. “I have yet to see Miss Hernandez, although I did see her companion.”

“Is he staying here as well?”

“Absolutely.”

“What is his name?”

“Neil McCulgan.”

“Are they staying in the same room?”

“No, separate rooms.”

“Did he go out already?”

“No. He was in exercise clothes. He’s down in the spa.”

“I believe Miss Hernandez spotted me yesterday, so I think I’ll have to wait in the car.”

“Very good,” Sumit said. “We will try our best to keep you informed.”

“Thank you,” Naresh said. “Meanwhile, I’d appreciate if you brought me some tea.”

“Of course. Coming right up.”

“It’s a travesty that the Indian civil service can sleep in their beds at night and allow those children to beg in the streets,” Laurie said indignantly, as she and Jack entered the Queen Victoria Hospital. She had been incensed by the plight of the children on the ride over to the hospital. Remembering her hormonal sensitivity, Jack had been careful to agree wholeheartedly with her response.

“What do you think of this hospital?” Jack asked, trying to get her to change the subject.

Laurie looked around the large sumptuous lobby with its modern furniture and marble floor. “It’s very attractive.” She looked into the coffee shop. “Very attractive indeed.”

“Here’s the deal,” Jack said. “While you head up to your appointment with Dr. Ram, I’m going to check out Maria Hernandez’s body.”

“You’re not coming up to see the ultrasound?” Laurie asked plaintively. “You’ve never seen it.”

“I’ll be there,” Jack assured her. “I just want to check out the body so we’ll know what we’re dealing with. Then I’ll be up to see the ultrasound. I promise.”

Reluctantly, Laurie let Jack go to the elevators while she approached the busy hospital front desk.

Jack was very impressed with the hospital. From his perspective it was not only modern but constructed with great care and with superior materials. It was obvious no money had been spared when the hospital had been designed. As he waited for the elevator, he noticed that the nurses were dressed in old-fashioned white uniforms, complete with hats. There was something nostalgic about it. Since most people were going up in the elevators, Jack had a car to himself going down.