"Um? don't you think you sound just a little paranoid? " With good reason7 he thought.

"Even paranoids have real enemies7 Gin. They're out to get us, pure and simple. I know how that sounds, but that's how I see it. They're at the bottom of the heap in public confidence, and they want to draw attention away from their own unwillingness to police themselves. " '"But their ethics committees go after people all the time" Duncan laughed. "Congressional ethics, there's an oxymoron for you. Only on those rare occasions when the press turns up the heat, only when their backs are to the wall and they have to do something."

"Well, whether we like it or not, I kind of think the shape of medical practice in the future is going to be decided at these hearings. So I'd like to be an aide on that committee. In fact, I had an interview at Senator Marsden's office yesterday mornmg.

Duncan froze and stared at her, and found Gin staring right back.

Gin's insides were wound into a Gordian knot. She'd waited until he'd almost closed the incision before mentioning this.

Why did I tell him? she wondered. I may nor even get the job.

Duncan said nothing as he finished closing the incision, leaving not a single stitch on the surface. Only a hair-thin line remained along the underside of the chin.

Gin had seen him do this a hundred times at least7 but still it awed her.

When he was done he looked up at her again.

"You what? "

"I, I had an interview with, "

"You are incomprehensible. You have a brilliant mind? an excellent medical education? and you want to be a Hill rat? "

"Only part-time. I just, " " How can you even think of cooperating with that committee? " '"Doesn't someone have to make sure the rer their facts straight? " O "Facts? Since when is Congress interested in facts? " He stepped back from the table and began ripping off his gloves. "I thought I was working with a doctor, not a Hill-rat wannabe." That hurt, stung like a slap in the face.