Chapter 3 - The Evidence in Her Bag
Hannah had never seen the blue vial before.
The officer introduced himself as Detective Marcus Vale and asked everyone except Hannah to leave the room.
Celeste objected.
“My son is the victim.”
“And Mrs. Reed is his spouse,” Vale replied. “I need to speak with her privately.”
Kells placed a hand on Celeste’s arm.
It was a small gesture, but Hannah noticed how familiar it seemed.
Celeste allowed herself to be led out.
Detective Vale sat opposite Hannah.
He was in his early fifties, with tired eyes and a voice that suggested he had learned not to rush frightened people.
“Do you take zolpidem?” he asked.
“No.”
“The vial has your name and address.”
“Then someone created it.”
“Where were you last night?”
“At home with Michael and Lily.”
“Did you argue?”
Hannah remembered Michael checking the locks.
“No.”
“Did he mention meeting anyone?”
“He was investigating financial transfers connected to this hospital.”
Vale’s expression remained neutral.
“Do you have evidence?”
“Not yet.”
“Did he name anyone?”
Hannah considered giving him the three names from Michael’s paper.
She stopped herself.
The paper had disappeared after the crash.
If Celeste and Kells knew Michael had documented them, they might also know where he had hidden the ledger.
“I need to see my husband,” Hannah said.
“Your husband’s bloodwork showed traces of the same drug.”
Her stomach tightened.
“How much?”
“Enough to affect reaction time.”
“You think he was drugged before the crash.”
“I think we need to establish how the medication entered his system.”
“And because the vial has my name, you think I did it.”
“I think someone wants us to think you did.”
That answer surprised her.
Vale leaned closer.
“The label is too clean. No fingerprints. No pharmacy transfer record yet. Whoever placed it in the vehicle wanted it found.”
“Then why question me?”
“Because a false clue can still hide a true motive.”
Hannah told him about Michael’s investigation, the missing brass key, and Celeste’s strange interest in Lily’s toy.
She did not play the recording.
Not yet.
When Vale left, Hannah found Celeste waiting in the corridor.
Lily was no longer with her.
“Where is my daughter?”
“A family-services officer wanted to speak with her.”
“You let a stranger take her?”
“She is in the children’s lounge.”
Hannah hurried toward the elevators.
Two security officers blocked her path.
Kells approached from the nurses’ station.
“There has been a development.”
“What did you do?”
“During your interview, staff found medication in your handbag.”
He held up a transparent evidence pouch.
Inside were three more blue vials.
Hannah stared at them.
Her handbag had been on the chair beside Lily.
Celeste had stood near it.
“This is a setup.”
Kells sighed.
“Your emotional state is understandable.”
“Do not speak to me like a patient.”
“You are no longer authorized to remain on this floor.”
“My husband is here.”
“And your daughter has expressed fear about returning home with you.”
Hannah’s breath caught.
“That is a lie.”
Celeste stepped from behind Kells.
“She told the social worker you made her keep secrets.”
Hannah tried to push past the guards.
“Lily!”
A small figure appeared behind the glass door at the end of the corridor.
Lily pressed both hands against it.
Her face was wet with tears.
“Mommy!”
Hannah ran forward, but security caught her arms.
Lily struck the glass with her fists.
“I didn’t say it! Grandma told them I said it!”
Celeste’s expression hardened.
Kells signaled the guards.
They pulled Hannah toward the elevator.
As the doors closed, Lily lifted the yellow toy car.
Its red light was blinking.
May you like
Then she mouthed four silent words.
It heard Grandma talking.
