Chapter 9 - The Tablet
The man in the photograph was Dr. Stephen Keller.
Not a practicing physician anymore.
His medical license had been revoked after prescription fraud charges.
Keller now operated several supplement businesses online.
He also supplied substances difficult to trace through conventional pharmacy records.
Mercer's team had observed Mark meeting Keller three times.
The third meeting involved a small white envelope.
Laura understood immediately.
"The tablet."
Mercer nodded.
"We don't know exactly what it is."
"Then test it."
"We don't have it."
"Arrest Keller."
"Then Mark knows we're watching."
Laura slammed her palm against the table.
"You people keep saying the same thing."
Mercer remained calm.
"Because the same thing remains true."
"You are gambling with my father's life."
Robert spoke.
"Laura."
"No."
She turned on him.
"You don't get to volunteer for murder."
"I'm not volunteering."
"Then what do you call sitting across from him while he puts poison in your coffee?"
Robert went silent.
Mercer looked at Laura.
"We won't let Robert drink anything."
"That's not good enough."
"It has to happen under controlled conditions."
"What conditions?"
"Mark needs to believe the plan is proceeding."
Laura understood the implication.
"You want Dad to bait him."
"We want evidence of attempted murder."
Robert corrected him.
"We want Mark caught with enough evidence that he never sees daylight again."
Laura stared at both men.
Then asked:
"What do I do?"
Robert shook his head.
"Nothing."
Laura laughed once.
It contained no humor.
"Absolutely not."
"You're already exposed."
"He doesn't know that."
"He might."
"Then use me."
"No."
"Dad."
"No."
Mercer interrupted.
"Actually, she may be right."
Robert turned sharply.
"Don't."
Mercer continued.
"Mark trusts Laura. If she acts normally, it reduces his suspicion."
Robert stepped toward him.
"If anything happens to her, I will personally..."
Laura placed a hand on Robert's arm.
"Dad."
He looked at her.
For the first time, Robert seemed old.
Not weak.
Just tired.
Laura remembered him carrying her on his shoulders.
Teaching her to drive.
Building a desk for her first apartment.
Standing outside her college graduation with tears in his eyes.
And then she remembered how she had defended Mark against him.
"I want to fix this."
Robert shook his head.
"You didn't break it."
"I helped him get close."
"No. You loved someone."
Laura's eyes filled.
Robert continued.
"That's not a crime."
Laura looked at Mercer.
"When?"
"Mark has invited Robert to the mansion Sunday morning."
"Why there?"
"He thinks Robert is bringing original property documents."
Laura took a slow breath.
"What does Mark think happens afterward?"
May you like
Mercer answered quietly.
"Robert doesn't leave."
