Chapter 11 - The Visitor After Midnight
Sarah arrived at the hospital under police protection.
She looked exhausted.
Her hair was disheveled, and dark circles surrounded her eyes.
Daniel rushed toward her.
“Where have you been?”
Sarah began crying quietly.
“Trying to find the records.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I was afraid.”
“Of whom?”
She looked at me.
“Of Dr. Voss.”
I sat upright.
“Sarah, I need the truth.”
She approached my bed.
“Margaret, twelve years ago, my mother worked at Bellwether. She discovered that the clinic was falsifying patient consent forms.”
“Then why did you sign mine?”
Sarah looked down.
“I worked there briefly as a records assistant. Voss told me I was witnessing an ordinary administrative authorization. Your signature was already on the page. I didn't know the procedure was different from what you had been told.”
“Did you ever find out?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“After Robert died.”
My throat tightened.
“And you said nothing?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I was terrified. Voss threatened my mother. He said he would accuse her of stealing research funds and destroy our family. She was already seriously ill.”
I stared at her.
“For twelve years?”
Sarah nodded.
“I convinced myself the device had been removed or had become harmless. Then your belly started growing.”
She wiped her face.
“I knew something was wrong. That's why I begged you to see a doctor.”
Daniel stared at his wife.
“You should have told us.”
“I know.”
Her voice broke.
“I should have told everyone.”
I wanted to be angry.
Part of me was.
But Sarah was trembling so badly that she could barely stand.
“What did you find?” I asked.
She opened a folder.
“Original patient records. Payment transfers. Research correspondence. And evidence that someone recently accessed your medical file.”
“Who?”
“Voss.”
I felt sick.
Sarah continued.
“The device was designed as part of an experimental system for tissue support and controlled biological delivery. It was never approved for use in patients.”
“Why did my stomach start growing now?”
“We found evidence that the implant's material had begun degrading. The records describe a risk of delayed inflammatory growth and fluid accumulation. Voss apparently recognized the danger years ago.”
Daniel slammed his palm against the wall.
“He knew it could hurt her?”
Sarah nodded.
“And he never told anyone.”
Detective Brooks stepped closer.
“Voss's recent research notes suggest he wanted to examine the implant before doctors removed it.”
A chill passed through me.
“Why?”
“Because the device may be the only surviving evidence of his original experiments.”
Daniel moved beside my bed.
“He isn't coming near my mother.”
At that moment, a nurse entered.
“Mrs. Whitmore, someone has delivered a package for you.”
She held a small white box.
There was no return address.
Inside lay a single yellow rose.
Robert's favorite flower.
May you like
Beneath it was a handwritten note.
ROBERT COULDN'T SAVE YOU. NEITHER WILL YOUR SON.
