Chapter 3 - The Test Results
The laboratory results arrived the following afternoon.
Jonathan's physician entered the room with a folder.
His expression was unusually serious.
“Mr. Mercer, we need to discuss your results.”
Jonathan looked at him.
“Am I dying?”
The doctor hesitated.
“Not for the reason we originally believed.”
Jonathan's heart pounded.
“What does that mean?”
“We found an abnormality in your blood that shouldn't be there.”
Marcus stood immediately.
“What kind of abnormality?”
The physician looked at him.
“I'm not at liberty to discuss everything without authorization.”
Jonathan spoke.
“He's working with me.”
The doctor nodded.
“Then here's the short version.”
He placed the report on the table.
“Your heart damage appears consistent with prolonged exposure to something toxic.”
Jonathan closed his eyes.
Victoria had told him.
But hearing it from a doctor made it real.
“Can you identify it?”
“We're running additional tests.”
Marcus asked, “Could medication cause it?”
“Possibly.”
“Accidental?”
The doctor looked at Jonathan.
“Possibly.”
“Intentional?”
The physician paused.
“That is something law enforcement would need to determine.”
Jonathan stared at the ceiling.
He suddenly remembered Victoria's words.
You trusted me far too much.
Marcus noticed his expression.
“Jonathan?”
“I want the hospital to preserve everything.”
“Already requested.”
“Medication records?”
“Secured.”
“Pharmacy?”
“Secured.”
“Visitor logs?”
“Yes.”
“Security footage?”
“Yes.”
Marcus smiled faintly.
“Your wife has made one mistake.”
“What?”
“She believed nobody would investigate until you died.”
That evening, Victoria arrived again.
She brought a bouquet of white roses.
She looked genuinely concerned.
“How are you feeling?”
Jonathan stared at her.
“Better.”
Her smile flickered.
“Better?”
“Yes.”
“That's wonderful.”
She placed the flowers beside him.
Jonathan watched her hands.
They were steady.
Too steady.
“Victoria?”
“Yes?”
“If I recover…”
She froze.
“Why wouldn't you?”
Jonathan smiled weakly.
“I don't know.”
She forced a laugh.
“You've always been dramatic.”
He reached for her hand.
She gave it to him.
Her fingers were cold.
“I love you,” she whispered.
Jonathan looked into her eyes.
“I love you too.”
The lie tasted bitter.
She leaned down and kissed him.
Then she left.
Marcus entered immediately.
“She almost looked scared.”
“She was.”
“How do you know?”
“She asked if I was getting better.”
Marcus nodded.
“That's significant.”
Later that night, Raymond called Victoria.
“She said you're improving.”
“I am.”
“What does that mean?”
“I don't know.”
“Did you check the medication?”
“I couldn't.”
“Then find out.”
Victoria paced inside her apartment.
“What if the doctors figure it out?”
“They won't.”
“What if Jonathan survives?”
Raymond became silent.
Then:
“He can't.”
Victoria closed her eyes.
“I know.”
She looked toward a framed photograph of Jonathan.
For a brief moment, guilt crossed her face.
Then it disappeared.
Raymond's voice hardened.
“You understand what happens if he talks.”
Victoria whispered:
“He won't.”
“You're sure?”
“He has five days.”
But neither of them knew that the five-day prediction had already begun to collapse.
May you like
And neither knew that Detective Marcus Hale had just received the first laboratory confirmation that the case was no longer a suspected poisoning.
It was potentially attempted murder.
