The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories First Annual Collection by Ed Gorman (ed)

Author:Ed Gorman (ed) [Gorman, Ed]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: anthology, crime, mystery
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2000-09-30T00:00:00+00:00

A week later Harry Bernstein sat in the prison hospital waiting room. He knew he was a sight—he hadn’t shaved in several days and was wearing wrinkled clothes—which, in fact, he’d slept in last night. But he didn’t care. He stared at the filthy floor.

“You all right?” This question came from a tall, thin man with a perfect beard. He wore a gorgeous suit and Armani-framed glasses. He was Patsy’s lead defense lawyer.

“I never thought she’d do it,” Harry said to him. “I knew there was risk. I knew something was wrong. But I thought I had everything under control.”

The lawyer looked at him sympathetically. “I heard you’ve been having some trouble, too. Your patients …”

Harry laughed bitterly. “Are quitting in droves. Well, wouldn’t you? Hell, Park Avenue shrinks are a dime a dozen. Why should they risk seeing me? I might get them killed or committed.”

The jailor opened the door. “Dr. Bernstein, you can see the prisoner now.”

He stood slowly, supporting himself on the door frame.

The lawyer looked him over and said, “You and I can meet in the next couple of days to decide how to handle the case. The insanity defense is tough in New York, but with you on board I can make it work. We’ll keep her out of jail … . Say, Doctor, you going to be okay?”

Harry gave a shallow nod.

The lawyer said kindly, “I can arrange for a little cash for you. A couple thousand—for an expert-witness fee.”

“Thanks,” Harry said. But he instantly forgot about the money. His mind was already on his patient.

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