Chapter 2 - THE FIRST LIE
The fetal monitor began beeping faster.
"Sir, give us room."
Marcus stepped back, but his eyes never left Khloe.
Isabella tried the door.
"Ma'am, you'll need to stay until hospital administration reviews the incident."
"This is insane," Isabella snapped. "I'm family."
Marcus looked at her.
"No. You're my sister. That is not the same thing."
Isabella's expression changed.
She had been his older sister, his protector, the person who raised him after their mother died. For years, Marcus had trusted her with his money, his company, even his marriage.
The doctor checked Khloe's blood pressure.
"Baby's heart rate is elevated, but stable."
Marcus exhaled for what felt like the first time in ten minutes.
Khloe closed her eyes.
A hospital administrator entered with a tablet.
"Mr. Hale?"
"We reviewed the camera system. The device in this room is part of a pilot security program. It records only when the emergency sensor is activated."
Isabella's shoulders dropped slightly.
Marcus noticed.
"Only after the alarm?"
"Normally, yes."
Isabella almost smiled.
"But this room was flagged for continuous monitoring this morning because of an unauthorized medication access event."
Marcus stared.
"What medication?"
The administrator looked toward Khloe.
"Her magnesium infusion."
Khloe opened her eyes.
"I wasn't supposed to get magnesium."
"Who told you that?"
"A nurse. She said Dr. Patel ordered it."
"No magnesium was ordered."
Isabella spoke too quickly.
"That has nothing to do with me."
"We also discovered that the camera has been recording since 8:12 a.m."
Marcus looked at the clock.
Isabella grabbed the table.
"That can't be right."
"Why not?"
Isabella said nothing.
Khloe slowly sat higher against the pillows.
"Play it."
The doctor objected. "Mrs. Hale, we need to examine you first."
"Then examine me. But nobody deletes that video."
Marcus stepped closer to Isabella.
"What happened at 8:12?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you shaking?"
Before she could answer, a hospital technician appeared in the doorway.
"Mr. Hale?"
"Yes?"
"We found the first clip."
"And you need to see it now."
Marcus followed him into the hall.
May you like
At 8:14 a.m., Isabella entered Khloe's room alone.
She was carrying a syringe.
