Bingham broke the silence by announcing, “I believe I can speak both for myself and Calvin by saying how very sorry we are about JJ’s illness. Although I certainly cannot condone your behavior vis-à-vis the chiropractor, I can say I understand it better now. I can also say that I strongly encourage your investigating alternative medicine; from the forensic pathology point of view, it will be good for you for the reasons you gave, and good for forensic pathology. I can envision a valuable paper for one of the major forensic pathology journals, which will add to the alternative-medicine debate. However, during your investigation, I must insist you do not make any site visits to any alternative-medicine provider. Also, I want you to avoid any statements to the press on your own. Any releases have to go through public relations after being screened by me. The alternative-medicine issue is more political than scientific. In my opinion, there is very little science involved at all. To emphasize this point, in addition to getting the lawsuit this morning, I got a call from the mayor’s office. It seems you were picking on His Honor’s favorite health provider.”

“You are joking,” Jack said. It seemed impossible. Jack had met the mayor and had been impressed by the man’s intelligence, at least until that moment.

“I’m not joking in the slightest,” Bingham continued. “Apparently, Mr. Newhouse is the only person who can relieve the mayor’s lumbar back pain.”

“I’m shocked,” Jack admitted.

“Don’t be,” Bingham shot back. “As for this current lawsuit, we will make every effort to defend you.”

“Thank you, sir,” Jack said, relieved.

“We will also honor your wish for privacy, depositions notwithstanding. We will not divulge your secret, particularly here at the OCME.”

“I appreciate that,” Jack said.

“If you change your mind and want a leave of absence, consider the request already granted.”

“I appreciate that as well. You’re very kind.”

“Now, I assume you have work to do. Calvin tells me you have more cases pending than usual. So get to work and get them signed out.”

Jack took the cue and rapidly disappeared.

For a few moments, neither Bingham nor Calvin moved. They stared at each other, still shocked.

“Has his work really been suffering?” Bingham asked, breaking the silence.

“Not from my vantage point,” Calvin said. “It’s true he’s more behind than usual, but the quality is up to par, and, although he’s behind, he’s still been by far our top producer, with about one and a half times the output of everyone else.”

“You didn’t have any idea about this terrible news concerning his child, did you?”

“Not the slightest,” Calvin said. “Even Laurie’s decision to extend her maternity leave didn’t raise any red flags for me. I just thought she was loving being a mother. I knew how much she’d wanted children.”