“Yes.”
“I must speak with Dr. Alftmont at once on a matter of the greatest importance.”
“Have you tried his office?”
“His office?” I said in surprise.
“Yes. I think you’ll find him there. He was called to his office shortly before midnight and hasn’t returned.”
“Sorry I disturbed you,” I said. “I hardly expected he’d be at his office.”
The woman was shaking the sleep out of her voice. She said, “That’s quite all right. I understand. Would you care to leave a message in case you miss him at the office?”
“Tell him I’ll call him in fifteen minutes if I don’t catch him at the office,” I said, “and thank you very much.”
“It’s quite all right,” she said again.
I hung up and drove to Dr. Alftmont’s office. If I had been a patient the voice of that woman would have made me a lifelong customer.