Later. Another knock at the door.
The doctor’s heels clipped on the linoleum, and the locks thunked and the chains rattled and the door creaked open.
“Bowls.”
Even in his pain-filled stupor, Gertrude recognized that voice. Stoneman.
“Oh. Hello, sir.”
Gertrude craned his neck around, trying to see something, anything, but all he could make out were two forms standing in the hallway, one short and fat, one tall and imperious.
Stoneman said, “It’s been brought to my attention that one of our wards has had an accident.”
“Oh, no sir. No accidents in here. Two cases of norovirus, though.”
“Mmhmm. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if I inspected the infirmary.”
Gertrude heard him enter. He imagined his eyes scouring the room, penetrating the cabinets, scanning the sink, looking for signs, clue
