“As if CP wasn’t enough, also a little hard of hearing. Don’t want pick up other’s conversations, but it’s that or miss a lot. Name’s Miller. Humphrey Miller.”

“Nice to meet you, Humphrey Miller. Do you work here?”

“I do. Pharmacy tech ten years. Pharmacists fill rolling cart and attach to front of chair. I transport to floors. Just brought white coat laundry. Spares at my apartment. Often here after my shift when there’s action.”

“I certainly guess you could call this action.”

“Hospital buzzing ’bout you and friend even before you landed.”

“I’m Lou Welcome, an ER doc from Washington, D.C.” They shook hands, albeit with some difficulty. “Humphrey’s not a very common name.”

“Neither is Welcome.”

“I have a feeling someone in my lineage—maybe someone with a sense of humor—changed it from something else somewhere along the line. My father doesn’t seem to want to tell me who, or else maybe he doesn’t know.”

“As might guess, mom huge Bogart fan. Naming me Humphrey in addition to my CP was double-whammy.”

Even with his shorthand speech, it took Humphrey most of a minute to get some sentences out.

“Let’s hear it for parents,” Lou said, immediately drawn to the man.

“You didn’t fidget,” Humphrey said.

“Excuse me?”

“Usually when I talk any length of time, people fidget or stare off into space. You didn’t do either.”

“That’s because you do require some concentration,” Lou said with a chuckle, “and I never fidget when I’m concentrating.”

Humphrey’s bass laugh at his own expense was joyous, and fun to watch. He was the school nerd all grown up. His ears were large for his head, but somehow fit his personality, as if anything smaller would be a disservice to his character.

“So, what’s this about Lichter?” Lou asked.

“You seem like nice guy. Here’s tip. Don’t let Ed Lichter do operation.”

“Why not?”

“Lichter decent enough but not best we have. Loses interest after case is done. Turns things over to residents soon as can.”

“Go on, but please forgive me in advance if I ask you to repeat.”

“Sure. If complications, Dr. Len Standish follows up better. Man is wizard. Did my ankles to stabilize them.”

Lou quickly pushed back and stood up, anxious to return to Garvey.

“I believe you, Humphrey,” he said, “and I thank you. I owe you lunch.”

“I heard compound femur fracture. You may be around awhile.”

“I’ll be around as long as my friend needs me. First, though, I’ve got to go and get him assigned to Dr. Standish.”

“Won’t be disappointed. I’m here. Let know how make out.”

“Promise.”

“Then decide dinner. Maybe later tonight. But forget lunch. That time passed hours ago.”