Chapter 8 - THE TEST RESULTS
The laboratory results arrived the following week.
Dr. Whitaker called me directly.
"Damian, the pills recovered from the bottle were not your prescribed medication."
I closed my eyes.
"What were they?"
He explained that the tablets contained substances inconsistent with my prescription and potentially dangerous for someone with my cardiac history.
The exact medical findings were provided to investigators.
I didn't need the details.
I needed one answer.
"Could they have seriously harmed me?"
Whitaker paused.
"Yes."
I looked toward the window.
Outside, Sophia was drawing with chalk on the patio.
Alina sat beside her.
My throat tightened.
"Thank you, doctor."
Rachel arrived an hour later.
"The investigation has expanded."
I nodded.
"What have they found?"
"Financial transfers from a company linked to Adrian to accounts associated with Peter Walsh."
I stared.
"And Marcus?"
"Records show unexplained payments to a consulting business he controls."
My jaw tightened.
"How much?"
"Enough to require an explanation."
Marcus had been placed on leave and had retained counsel.
He denied wrongdoing.
But investigators were now examining the financial trail.
I wanted to confront him.
Rachel stopped me.
"Damian, let the process work."
I stared.
"He lived in my house."
"I know."
"He ate at my table."
"I know."
"He watched that child walk into my study."
Rachel's expression softened.
"And she's alive. So are you."
I looked down.
She continued.
"Don't let your anger destroy the evidence that may hold these people accountable."
That evening, I found Sophia in the garden.
She was coloring a butterfly.
"Boss?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Did they find the wrong blue?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
She looked up.
"Was it bad?"
I swallowed.
"It could have been."
She considered.
Then smiled.
"But you didn't eat it."
I looked at her.
"No."
She grinned.
"Because I told you."
I laughed softly.
"Because you told me."
She returned to her drawing.
Then said:
"Mommy says little people can do big things."
May you like
I closed my eyes.
"She's right."
