Chapter 6 - THE DOCTOR WHO NEVER CAME
The first clue came from an unexpected place.
Alessandro's medical records.
I'd been reviewing his rehabilitation schedule when I noticed something strange.
Several appointments had been canceled.
Not by Alessandro.
Not by his doctors.
By the estate office.
I frowned.
One appointment was with a spinal cord injury specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Another involved an evaluation for updated mobility equipment.
A third was a consultation about managing chronic pain.
All canceled within the previous six months.
I brought the records to Alessandro.
"Did you know these appointments were canceled?"
He looked at the screen.
"No."
I stared.
"Your office said you requested it."
His expression darkened.
"I didn't."
I swallowed.
"Who handles your schedule?"
"Bianca's supervisor."
"Mr. Russo?"
He nodded.
The estate manager.
The man who controlled staff assignments, household access, and much of Alessandro's daily routine.
I felt a chill.
"Why would he cancel your appointments?"
Alessandro didn't answer.
Then he said:
"Because someone wants me isolated."
I looked at him.
"Do you want to see the specialist?"
He studied me.
"Would it matter?"
I sat opposite him.
"Yes."
He gave a bitter smile.
"Claire, I can't walk."
"I know."
"And no doctor can promise that will change."
"I know."
He frowned.
"Then what exactly are you suggesting?"
I took a breath.
"That your life deserves proper medical care whether you walk again or not."
He went silent.
I continued.
"Pain management matters. Independence matters. Equipment matters. Your health matters."
For a long moment, he stared at me.
Then he looked away.
"My last rehabilitation therapist told me I wasn't trying hard enough."
My chest tightened.
"I'm sorry."
"He said I needed a better attitude."
I shook my head.
"That's not fair."
Alessandro laughed bitterly.
"Fairness isn't something I've had much use for."
I leaned forward.
"Then perhaps it's time you did."
He looked at me.
Something changed in his expression.
Then he nodded.
"Make the appointment."
I smiled.
"I will."
He hesitated.
"Claire?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
I smiled softly.
"You're welcome."
That afternoon, Luca discovered that Mr. Russo had approved the cancellation of all three appointments.
And when Alessandro confronted him, Russo offered a chilling explanation.
"I was following your brother's instructions."
Alessandro froze.
"My brother?"
May you like
Russo nodded.
"Marco."
