So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 49 Deserters and Investigators

 

‘I am afraid that I cannot answer that question without breaking-‘Whitehead began.

 

‘Patient-Healer confidentially, right,’ Jamieson said struggling to withhold a scowl. ‘Now can I ask would it be possible for line theft to be committed with the semen provided?’

 

‘Yes,’ admitted Whitehead after mulling over whether he could say so or not.

 

‘Now you said it was your former Apprentice who did not set your wards correctly,’ Jamieson said.

 

‘Yes,’ Whitehead replied to the non-question.

 

‘Who is this Apprentice?’ asked Jamieson.

 

‘Jason Smith,’ replied Whitehead.

 

‘When did he stop being your apprentice?’ asked Jamieson.

 

‘This morning,’ replied Whitehead.

 

‘After the break-in?’ asked Jamieson.

 

‘Yes,’ agreed Whitehead. ‘This was hardly his first mistake. Just the first and last one which ended up having consequences that could close us down.’

 

Jamieson nodded understanding what Healer Whitehead was not saying in regards to Apprentice Jason Smith. That someone needed to take the fall for the break-in and theft should it get out to their patients even if the victim did not want to be known. Not that Jamieson could blame them considering it was their livelihoods which were on the line when and if it got out.

 

‘Is it possible he left the wards down on purpose?’ asked Jamieson.

 

‘No,’ Whitehead said sharply. ‘The boy is a buffoon but he does not have the brain cells to even think about line theft.’

 

‘He must have some intelligence to get the grades needed to become an Apprentice,’ pointed out Jamieson.

 

‘There is a difference between testing well and intelligence,’ Whitehead said gravely. ‘And I would be willing to testify that although negligent he was not complicit in the theft.’

 

‘Do you have an address for him?’ asked Jamieson.