Sampson said disgustedly, “Come on, we’re not getting anywhere with this. We’re just playing into Mason’s hands now.”
Holcomb said, “Well, there’s a lot about this that needs to be explained.”
“Not here,” Sampson told him.
Sergeant Holcomb stood staring at the woman on the bed, as though the sheer impact of his eyes would stir her to life. Dr. Gifford said, “You gentlemen might just as well do your brawling elsewhere. My patient is now completely oblivious to everything which is taking place.”
Holcomb turned to the doctor and said, “You’ll hear more about this.”
“Yes, there’ll be a lot more heard about it,” Dr. Gifford said grimly. “If there are any resulting complications, I am going to hold you personally responsible.”
Mason said, “I think, Doctor, we can get a court order restraining the officers from asking any further questions until after you have decided that such questions won’t jeopardize her health.”
“That interval,” Dr. Gifford said with dignity, “will, of necessity, be somewhat prolonged because of the mental strain to which she has just been subjected. Gentlemen, I am going to ask you to clear the room.” As they hesitated, Dr. Gifford said, “In the event you don’t go now, I am going to ask the hospital office to send up sufficient orderlies to see that the room is cleared.”
Sampson said, “Come on, Holcomb. We can’t do anything here.”
Holcomb said, “Well, I’m not going to leave Mason behind to tip her off what to say.”