Chapter 4 - THE FALSE PRESCRIPTION
Marcus Vale was not a physician.
Daniel confirmed it within minutes.
The prescription number belonged to a private clinic that had closed three years earlier. The doctor’s identification code was invalid.
He placed the package in a sealed plastic bag and locked it inside his office safe.
Vanessa stood in the doorway watching him.
“What are you doing?”
“Preserving evidence.”
Her face remained calm.
“Evidence of what?”
“Forgery.”
She stepped into the office.
“The pharmacy made a mistake.”
“Then you won’t mind if I report it.”
“You are overreacting.”
“My mother has been taking pills prescribed by someone who does not exist.”
“Dr. Cole approved them.”
“Then he can explain that to the medical board.”
Vanessa shut the office door.
For the first time, she stopped pretending to be patient.
“You have no idea what you are doing.”
“Then explain it.”
“I am trying to protect this family.”
“From my mother?”
“From what happens when people learn the truth.”
Daniel thought of Jonathan’s letter.
“What truth?”
Vanessa realized she had said too much.
She took a breath and softened her voice.
“Your mother’s condition is worse than you understand. She invents stories. She becomes frightened. Sometimes she becomes violent.”
“Has she ever hurt you?”
Vanessa hesitated.
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Last month.”
“Where?”
“In her bedroom.”
“Show me.”
“What?”
“The injury.”
“It healed.”
“Was there a witness?”
“No.”
“Did you photograph it?”
“No.”
“Did you tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry.”
Daniel stepped closer.
“You document every meal she misses, every appointment, every supposed memory problem. You send me updates while I’m at work. But when she allegedly attacks you, you record nothing.”
Vanessa’s jaw tightened.
“You have already decided I am guilty.”
“I have decided that I don’t know you.”
That sentence hurt her.
He could see it.
For a moment, the anger vanished, replaced by something that looked almost like grief.
Then she whispered, “You never did.”
Vanessa left the office.
Daniel wanted to follow, but his phone rang.
The caller introduced herself as Dr. Rachel Singh, a geriatric specialist at St. Anne’s Hospital. Daniel had contacted her earlier that morning.
She agreed to examine Evelyn privately that afternoon.
At the hospital, blood tests revealed sedative levels far above the expected range.
Dr. Singh reviewed the pills Daniel had brought from Evelyn’s weekly organizer.
“These are not all the same medication,” she said.
“What are they?”
“One appears to be a standard sleep aid. Two others may cause confusion, weakness, and memory disruption, especially in older adults.”
“Could they make someone appear to have dementia?”
“They could imitate some symptoms.”
Evelyn sat silently beside him.
Daniel felt anger rising through his chest.
“How long would it take for the effects to fade?”
“It depends on the dosage and duration. She should remain under observation while we identify everything she has been given.”
Evelyn shook her head.
“I can’t stay.”
“Mom, you are not safe at home.”
“The house is not safe without me.”
Daniel crouched in front of her.
“What does that mean?”
“The key.”
“What key?”
“I hid it.”
“Where?”
She closed her eyes.
“I don’t remember.”
Dr. Singh placed a hand on Evelyn’s shoulder.
“Memory may improve as the medication leaves your system. Do not force it.”
Daniel agreed to take Evelyn home only after arranging a nurse to stay with her.
When they returned, Vanessa was gone.
Her clothes remained in the wardrobe, but her car was missing.
On the kitchen counter lay a handwritten note.
I need time to think. I never wanted you to learn this way.
Daniel called her.
The phone was off.
He went upstairs to check the safe.
The forged prescription was still there.
Jonathan’s letter was gone.
Only one object had been left in its place.
The missing photograph from the bedside drawer.
On the back, someone had written an address and a time.
Lake Marrow House.
May you like
Tomorrow.
2:14 A.M.
