Chapter 3
The precinct waiting room smelled faintly of industrial floor wax and stale coffee. Liam sat on a hard plastic chair, turning the crumpled envelope over in his hands. The address was clear: Arthur Pendelton, Transit Employee ID 4082. The return address belonged to St. Jude’s Medical Center, stamped with a final notice for unpaid cardiology consultations.
The police interview had been brief and courteous. Officer Miller had taken his account, verified his identification, and released him with a nod of professional respect. Yet, Liam could not simply walk away into the rainy night. The sight of Arthur Pendelton’s pale, sweat-slicked face haunted the periphery of his vision, intertwining with his own quiet griefs. Six months ago, Liam had lost his younger brother to an unforeseen medical emergency compounded by insurance denials. The sting of that loss was an open wound, making Arthur’s struggle feel intensely personal.
Officer Miller walked by, holding a paper cup of tepid water. She paused, noticing Liam still clutching the envelope. "Property of the driver?" she asked quietly.
"Found it under the seat," Liam said, looking up. "It’s a collection notice. Thousands of dollars for heart tests. He must have been working double shifts for months just to keep up."
Miller sighed, running a hand through her short grey hair. "City transit wages aren't what they used to be, and the healthcare plans have high deductibles. Arthur's a good man. Twenty years on the job, never missed a shift. Word around the depot is he was trying to pay for his wife's treatments before she passed last year, and now his own ticker is giving out."
"He shouldn't have been behind the wheel tonight," Liam murmured.
"Nobody tells a man with bills to pay he can't work," Miller said grimly. "System doesn't leave much room for a breakdown."
Liam stood up, slipping the envelope securely inside his jacket pocket. "Where is he now?"
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"County General, intensive care. Stable for the moment, but it's touch and go." Miller looked at Liam searchingly. "You're a good citizen, Liam. Don't go turning this into your personal crusade. Some battles are bigger than one guy in a green jacket."
Liam offered a faint, melancholy smile. "I've never been very good at walking away from a wreckage once I'm already inside it."
