Chapter 8 - A SECOND FALL
Eleanor was transferred to a private recovery suite two days later.
She was improving, though her wrist remained painful and the concussion left her tired. Rose visited in the afternoon, carrying a small bouquet of white daisies.
Eleanor smiled when she saw her.
“My hero.”
Rose blushed. “Please don't call me that.”
“Why not? You saved my life.”
“I was lucky enough to catch your dress.”
“You were brave enough to try.”
Eleanor reached for her hand.
“I owe you more than I can say.”
Rose sat beside the bed.
“You don't owe me anything.”
Eleanor's expression became serious.
“I know what it costs to be ignored in a room full of important people. I watched everyone freeze while you held on to me. I won't forget it.”
Before Rose could answer, a nurse entered carrying medication.
“Mrs. Callaway, it's time for your dose.”
Eleanor looked at the small cup.
“That's not what I take.”
The nurse checked the chart.
“It was updated this morning.”
Eleanor shook her head. “My doctor changed the medication yesterday. I take the smaller tablet now.”
The nurse hesitated.
Rose looked at the label. The patient's name was correct, but the dosage did not match the medication list on the bedside table.
“Could you verify it with the attending physician?” Rose asked.
The nurse frowned.
“I've already checked.”
“Then it should be easy to confirm.”
The nurse placed the cup on the counter and left.
Rose called the ward supervisor. Within minutes, the medication was checked and found to be incorrect. The hospital determined that the order had been entered under a temporary account using a physician's credentials that had not been authorized for Eleanor's care.
No medication had been given.
The hospital contacted police.
Nathaniel arrived before the end of the hour.
“Who changed the order?”
“We're investigating,” the hospital administrator said. “The account was accessed remotely.”
Nathaniel looked at his mother.
“Someone tried again.”
Eleanor's face went pale.
Rose noticed a small envelope beneath the medication tray. It had not been there when she entered.
She picked it up using a tissue and showed it to Daniel.
Inside was a printed photograph of Eleanor standing beside Nathaniel at the wedding rehearsal. On the back, someone had written:
ONE MORE CHANCE.
Daniel called security.
The hospital was placed under a restricted-access protocol. Visitors were checked. Staff credentials were reviewed. Police collected the envelope and the medication cup.
That night, a hospital employee admitted that someone had offered her money to leave a side entrance unlocked. She had refused, but she had recognized the photograph of the person who made the offer.
It was Richard Shaw.
Victoria's father.
Nathaniel looked at the investigator.
“Then this was never only Victoria's plan.”
“No,” the investigator said. “It appears to have been a coordinated attempt to gain control of the company.”
Nathaniel looked through the glass at his mother.
He had almost lost her twice.
May you like
The first time, Rose had held on.
The second time, Rose had noticed what everyone else had overlooked.
