Chapter 3 - THE LABORATORY REPORT
The report arrived forty-eight hours later.
Dr. Nair read it twice before speaking.
“The tablet contains an active compound from a prescription
muscle-relaxant class. It does not match the medication listed on your
current prescription record.”
Ethan stared at her.
“Could it explain why I’m getting weaker?”
“It could have contributed to your symptoms. I can’t determine the full
effect from one tablet. We need to compare the sample with your blood
and urine tests, review the dates, and establish what you were actually
given.”
Naomi placed a second folder on the desk.
“The pharmacy has confirmed that several prescriptions were never filled
by them. The labels on the bottles in the house were not issued by the
pharmacy listed on the packaging.”
Ethan looked at the bottles photographed by the housekeeper.
“How long?”
“We don’t know yet.”
Dr. Nair’s voice remained calm. “I want you admitted for monitored
assessment. We will manage your medication safely and observe your
neurological function. Do not stop or replace anything on your own.”
Ethan agreed.
Before the ambulance arrived, Sophia came into the bedroom.
“What is happening?”
“I’m going to the hospital for more tests.”
Her eyes moved from Dr. Nair to Naomi.
“Why wasn’t I told?”
“Because I asked for an independent assessment,” Ethan replied.
Sophia’s mouth tightened. “You don’t trust me?”
“I am trying to understand why my recovery has gone backward.”
“I have spent every day taking care of you.”
“I know you have.”
“Then why are you letting strangers turn this into a criminal
investigation?”
Naomi stepped forward. “No one has accused anyone. We are preserving
evidence and following medical advice.”
Sophia looked at Ethan, and for the first time he saw anger beneath her
concern.
“You’re making a mistake,” she whispered.
“Then the tests will show that.”
At the hospital, Dr. Nair arranged a full medication reconciliation. The
results showed that Ethan had been exposed to a drug that was not part
of his prescribed treatment. The timing was consistent with the period
when his strength and coordination had deteriorated.
The physician explained that the substance could suppress muscle
activity and worsen weakness, especially in someone already recovering
from a neurological injury. The exact contribution to Ethan’s condition
would require further evaluation.
It was not proof of every suspicion.
But it was proof that something had been wrong.
A detective from the financial crimes and special investigations unit
interviewed Ethan. He gave her the names of the doctors, the pharmacy,
the household staff, and every person with access to his medication.
“Do you believe your fiancée did this?” she asked.
Ethan looked down at his hands.
“I believe someone changed my medication without authorization. I want
you to find out who.”
The detective nodded.
“That’s the right place to start.”
When Naomi returned that evening, she had another discovery.
Adrian Voss had submitted a request for an emergency board vote, citing
Ethan’s “rapidly deteriorating capacity.”
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The vote was scheduled for Monday.
It was Friday.
