“Don’t be so sure.”

One of the infuriating things about the relationship between the Fellow and the Chief Resident was that when one of them received information which hadn’t reached the other, it was difficult to resist the temptation to act as if he had a direct pipeline to God. Adam rolled the green scrub suit into a ball and tossed it into the half-filled laundry basket in the corner. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Bergstrom will get a kidney from her twin, right?”

“The sister isn’t sure she wants to give one away.”

“Jesus.” He pulled his whites from the locker and climbed into the trousers which, he noted, were becoming grimy and would have to be replaced with a fresh pair for the next day.

Meomartino left as he was tying his shoes. Adam wanted a cigarette, but the little electronic monster in his lapel pocket sounded its soft snarl and when he phoned in he learned that Susan Garland’s father was waiting to see him, so he went straight up.

Arthur Garland was in his early but fattening forties, with uncertain blue eyes and a receding auburn hairline. A leather-goods distributor, Adam remembered.

“I didn’t want to leave without talking with you.”

“I’m just a house officer. Perhaps you should talk with Dr. Kender.”

“I just talked with Dr. Kender. He said everything went as well as could be expected.”

Adam nodded.

“Bonnie—my wife—insisted I see you. She said you’ve been understanding. I wanted to say thanks.”

“There’s no need. How is Mrs. Garland?”

“I sent her home. This has been very difficult, and Dr. Kender said we won’t be able to see Susan for a couple of days.”

“The less contact she has, even with people who love her, the less likely she is to pick up infection. The drugs we’re using to keep her body from rejecting the new kidney also weaken her resistance.”

“I understand,” Garland said. “Dr. Silverstone, does everything look all right?”

He was sure that Garland had already asked Dr. Kender. Faced with the man’s need for a positive portent, a cabalistic sign to certify that all was under perfect control, he was acutely aware of their real impotence.

“The surgery went smoothly,” he said. “It was a good kidney. We have a lot going for us.”

“What do you do next?”

“Watch her.”

Garland nodded. “A small token.” He took a wallet from his pocket. “Alligator. My company handles the line.”

Adam was embarrassed.

“I gave one to Dr. Kender, too. Don’t presume to thank me, you people are giving me back my girl.” The trapped blue eyes became shiny, swam, spilled over. Ashamed, the man looked away, at the blank wall.

“Mr. Garland, you’re tired as hell. If you don’t mind my saying so, why don’t you let me give you a prescription for a sedative and then go home?”

“Yes. Please.” He blew his nose. “Do you have children of your own?”

Adam shook his head.