"It's a good thing for you that I like you, Doc," he continued. "It's a better thing for you that I know you're
on the level with the boss. Best of all, maybe that you're the only one who can help him, if he can be
helped. That's all."
"McCann," I said, "I'm sorry, deeply sorry. Not for what I said, but for having to say it. After all, the
doubt is there. And it is a reasonable doubt. You must admit that. Better to spread it before you than
keep it hidden."
"What might be my motive?"
"Ricori has powerful enemies. He also has powerful friends. How convenient to his enemies if he could
be wiped out without suspicion, and a physician of highest repute and unquestionable integrity be
inveigled into giving the death a clean bill of health. It is my professional pride, not personal egotism, that I