Dead End Deal (40 page)

Wong led Lucas to the demonstration table where a blue surgical towel covered a cantaloupe-sized mound on a stainless steel tray. This, Lucas assumed, was the cadaver head he’d be using. Three boom-mounted HD cameras were aimed at the tray, one on each side with the third directly overhead. Similar cameras were set to monitor four other tables. Wong explained that the cameras would record the demonstration while providing the audience different close-up views of the dissection. Wong then asked Lucas to sign a recording release.

Lucas dropped into the chair and inspected the tray of surgical instruments. Central supply apparently provided the ones he’d requested. Like all surgeons, he had preferences. And like all surgeons, this bordered on superstition. Especially when working under the microscope.

After verifying each camera was sharply focused and recording, Wong nodded for Lucas to begin.

Standing behind the table, Lucas addressed the group. “The first demonstration will be the anterior approach to the clivus.” A tricky way to reach the base of the brain by cutting through the back of the mouth. “I assume you’ve all read the articles I emailed Dr. Wong?”

They nodded in unison.

“Any questions before I start?”

They glanced at each other but no one spoke.

“As with any craniotomy, it’s extremely important to plan your incision correctly.” Lucas picked up a Sharpie in one hand and a corner of the towel with the other.

As he withdrew the towel, Lucas said, “We start the incision here,” and looked down at the head. He froze. For three long seconds he was unable to tear his gaze from the gray, bloodless skin. Then he spun away, spewing vomit on the wall and the floor.