“There was a third death at that hospital related to the two here. We believe whoever is involved must have an association at both institutions. It’s what makes us believe we might be dealing with a physician.”

“That’s a good point,” Arun said.

“Since you are not for medical tourism, perhaps you might not be willing to help us solve a mystery that seems to be giving the medical tourism a black eye. It could even be one of your fellow academics or one of your radical students who is at the bottom of it.”

“I don’t condone this methodology,” Arun said categorically. “I’m more than happy to help. In fact, with my interest in forensics, I’ll find it intriguing. What’s first?”

“The autopsy, without a doubt,” Jack said.

“Let me call Vijay,” Arun said, picking up his phone.

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

OCTOBER 19, 2007
FRIDAY, 9:45 A.M.
NEW DELHI, INDIA

Inspector Naresh Prasad was bored and uncomfortable. He’d had his tea, and he’d read the newspaper cover to cover. He had been sitting in the driver’s seat of his Ambassador for almost three hours, with no sign of Jennifer Hernandez and no word from the concierge desk. Although he was certain he’d probably bump into her the moment he left the car, he did it anyway, leaving his door ajar.

Standing outside, he stretched, then bent over and almost touched his toes. It was the best he could do. The Sikh doorman waved and smiled. Naresh waved back. Still no Miss Hernandez. He looked back in the car. Although he knew he should show appropriate patience and get back in the car, he couldn’t get himself to do it. It was too hot in the car with the sun beating down.

He glanced back at the hotel. What was she doing? Why hadn’t she come down? But then he realized he was just assuming she’d not come down, and he was assuming that if she had, then Sumit would have notified him as per his offer to keep him informed. All at once, Naresh decided it was time to find out if she’d been spotted.

Closing his car door, Naresh crossed under the porte cochere, constantly on the lookout for Miss Hernandez. He entered the hotel and, still careful, he went to the concierge desk.

“Good morning, Inspector,” Lakshay said. Sumit was busy with a guest.

“She’s not appeared?” Naresh demanded, as if it were somehow the fault of the concierges.

“Not as I’m aware. Let me check with my colleague.” Lakshay tapped Sumit’s arm to get his attention. Lakshay discreetly whispered behind a raised hand.

“No, my colleague concurs. We’ve not see Miss Hernandez today.”

“Can you think of a reason to call her in her room?” Naresh demanded. “I want to know if she is there.”

“I cannot,” Lakshay said.

“Give me the phone,” Naresh demanded. “How do you get the operator?”