SH Medical 07 - The Detective's Accidental Baby by Jacqueline Diamond Page B

hospital, but it hadn’t occurred to her that so many people were providing input. Suddenly she didn’t feel so special, and that hurt more than it should have.
    This wasn’t her family. It was her work environment. Why did that thought bother her so much?
    “We’re going to hold a contest that will last for nine months. That’s symbolic, as I’m sure you’ve all figured out.” Owen’s chuckle made it clear he enjoyed the spotlight. “Our goal is to encourage all of you to make full use of the latest techniques to help our patients. To that end, our medical center management has promised to donate one hundred thousand dollars…” He paused to let the surprised murmur die. “That’s one hundred thousand big ones, to the favorite charity of the doctor who achieves the highest pregnancy rate among his or her fertility patients.”
    No one spoke. Probably, like Erica, they were trying to process what they’d just learned. It came as a shock to her, too. She hadn’t heard even the tiniest hint that there might be such a large prize involved.
    “We will not count naturally occurring pregnancies among nonfertility patients,” Owen added. Too bad Paige can’t count me, Erica reflected.
    “Also, I encourage physicians to choose a charity in consultation with their nurses and other staff. We’re all in this together. As for the clock, it starts ticking now, and we’ll announce the winner in December. Any questions?”
    The first hand that shot up belonged to Dr. Samantha Forrest. “Do pediatricians count?”
    “You planning to encourage pregnancies among your little patients?” Owen returned wryly.
    The blonde specialist smiled. “I didn’t mean it that way. But as most of you know, I established the Edward Serra Memorial Clinic a few years ago to counsel teen moms, abused women and families in crisis. We’ve been underfunded ever since, and we’re operating out of bare-bones quarters at the city’s community center. I hope doctors will keep us in mind when they make their choice.”
    Zack Sargent got to his feet. “If we’re lobbying for causes, I hope my fellow OBs will consider setting up a fund to aid patients who lack insurance coverage for fertility treatment. I’m sure we all hate seeing women leave for economic reasons.”
    More voices joined in, some siding with Samantha or Zack, others offering other choices. Dr. T beamed. “Competition is all to the good.”
    “Are you going to compete?” Rod Vintner asked him.
    “Sure. I hope to raise the stakes for everyone. And the money does go to charity.”
    Paige Brennan stood and waved for attention. With her dramatic red hair and imposing height, she drew all eyes. “While I’m new on staff and technically just filling in for Nora, I’d like to offer another viewpoint.”
    “By all means,” Owen exclaimed. When little Julie, who’d been muttering unhappily, let out a squawk, he handed her to his wife.
    “I came here because I love being part of this exciting program,” Paige said, “but I think it’s important not to pressure patients to go full speed ahead if it doesn’t suit their wishes or beliefs. I have couples who prefer a low-tech approach, and sometimes that works.”
    “All pregnancies among fertility patients count, regardless of which technique was or wasn’t used,” Dr. T replied. “Anyone else?”
    He hadn’t acknowledged Paige’s point, Erica thought as the obstetrician folded her tall frame back into her seat. And it had taken courage to speak out that way. Well, they all knew Dr. T could be single-minded in pursuit of his goals.
    No one else cared to comment. “Go forth and multiply,” Owen concluded. “Just keep it civil, folks. The public will be watching. I broke the news here first, but I’ll be repeating this information at a press conference later.”
    As she arose, Erica wondered where she’d donate the money if it were up to her. While a hundred thousand dollars might not be a lot by research