Chapter 3 - A PROMISE IN THE HOSPITAL
Alejandro woke the next afternoon with a dry throat, a headache, and a
police detective waiting beside the window.
Detective Elena Park introduced herself and explained that the hospital
had reported a suspected deliberate exposure to an allergen.
“Do you know anyone who would want to harm you?” she asked.
Alejandro looked toward the ceiling.
“In my line of work, that list is not short.”
“Did you have any unusual visitors last night?”
“Julian Vance.”
The detective made a note.
“Your legal adviser?”
“He brought documents for a merger review. He poured the wine himself.”
“Did you see him add anything?”
“No.”
“Did you consume food or drink from anyone else?”
Alejandro described the evening. The detective listened, then told him
that the glass and decanter had been collected for testing.
Marcus arrived after the interview with a secure tablet.
“We found a camera in the bookcase,” he said.
Alejandro’s expression sharpened.
“Show me.”
The video played.
Alejandro watched Julian enter the room. He watched him take out the
vial. He watched the liquid disappear into the decanter.
The room seemed to contract around him.
“That’s impossible,” Alejandro said.
Marcus said nothing.
“Fourteen years,” Alejandro continued. “I trusted him with every
contract, every negotiation, every secret.”
“I’m sorry, boss.”
Alejandro stopped the video on Julian’s face.
“Who installed the camera?”
“We’re tracing the wiring and the purchase records. It may have been
placed weeks ago.”
“Why was it there?”
“We don’t know.”
Alejandro leaned back against the pillows. His body still felt weak, and
the doctors had warned him not to overexert himself.
“Find out who else knew about it. And don’t confront Julian.”
Marcus nodded.
A soft knock came at the door.
Sofia stood there with Emma beside her. The hospital administrator had
allowed a short visit after Alejandro requested to see them.
Emma held her stuffed rabbit in one hand and a folded drawing in the
other.
Alejandro’s face softened.
“Come in.”
Sofia remained near the doorway. “We didn’t want to disturb you.”
“You didn’t.”
Emma approached the bed.
“I brought you a picture.”
She unfolded the paper. It showed a large house, a tiny girl, and a man
lying in a bed. Above them was a yellow sun with a smiling face.
“That’s you,” she explained, pointing to the man. “And that’s me. Mommy
says you have to rest.”
Alejandro studied the drawing.
“Your mother is right.”
Emma glanced at the empty medical case hanging from Sofia’s shoulder.
“I used my last medicine.”
“I know.”
“Are you going to be okay?”
“The doctors say I have to be careful. But I’m going to try.”
Emma nodded, satisfied.
Alejandro looked at Sofia. “I owe you both more than I can say.”
“You don’t owe us anything,” she replied. “Emma did what she thought was
right.”
“She was braver than everyone in that room.”
Sofia’s eyes filled. “Please don’t make her feel responsible for what
happened. She’s only four.”
“I won’t.”
He turned back to Emma.
“You helped me. But you should never have to face danger like that
again. The adults in this house failed you by letting you get caught in
the middle.”
Emma thought about that.
“Then tell the guards not to be mean to Mommy.”
Alejandro looked at Marcus.
“Did you hear her?”
May you like
“Yes, boss.”
“Make sure it never happens again.”
