Chapter 4 - THE DOCTOR'S SIGNATURE
Dr. Marcus Vale arrived at the Blackwood estate the following morning.
He came without an appointment, carrying a leather medical bag and wearing the calm expression of a man who believed his credentials could protect him from suspicion.
Adrian met him in the library.
Emma remained near the doorway. Detective Harris had asked her to stay available because she had been present when Adrian stood.
“Adrian,” Vale said, “I heard there was an incident last night. I came to check on you.”
“How thoughtful.”
Vale glanced at the wheelchair.
“You should be careful. Sudden attempts to stand can cause serious injury.”
Adrian remained standing.
Vale's eyes moved to his legs.
For a fraction of a second, his expression betrayed him.
“You can walk,” he said.
“I can.”
Vale set his bag down.
“That's wonderful. Your progress is remarkable.”
“Is it?”
“Of course.”
“Then explain why you signed a report saying I had no meaningful motor recovery three months ago.”
Vale's face stiffened.
“Medical reports are complicated. Perhaps you misunderstood the wording.”
“I have the original scan. The report number belongs to another patient.”
Vale said nothing.
Adrian stepped closer.
“Did you alter my records?”
“I would never compromise a patient's care.”
“Did you know the brakes on my car had been tampered with?”
Vale's eyes flickered toward the door.
Detective Harris stepped inside.
“Dr. Vale, we'd like to ask you a few questions.”
Vale's composure broke.
“This is harassment. I am a physician.”
“And we're investigating a serious crime,” Harris replied. “You can explain your involvement at the station.”
Vale reached for his bag.
Daniel moved between him and the door.
“Leave it,” the detective said.
Vale stopped.
As officers escorted him away, he turned toward Adrian.
“You don't understand what your father left behind.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
“What did he leave?”
Vale looked at Emma.
Then back at Adrian.
“A ledger. And people who will kill to keep it hidden.”
The library door closed behind him.
Adrian turned to Daniel.
“Search my father's study.”
“We already did.”
“Search it again. Every drawer. Every panel. Every safe.”
Emma stepped forward.
“What ledger?”
“My father kept records of payments, favors, and private agreements. He believed paper could protect him from people who might betray him.”
“Could it?”
“Sometimes.”
Daniel's phone vibrated. He read the message and frowned.
“Sir, we found something in the sedan.”
“What?”
“A small envelope taped beneath the driver's seat. It contains a photograph of you leaving the hospital and a handwritten note.”
Adrian took the note.
Four words were written in block capitals:
HE WAS NEVER MEANT TO WALK.
Emma felt her stomach tighten.
Adrian folded the paper.
“Someone knows I recovered.”
“And they want you afraid,” she said.
May you like
He looked at her.
“No. They want me to believe I have no chance.”
