Chapter 5 - PATIENT 417
Mercer searched old records while the council waited under guard.
He found Dominic's father's final medication order.
The pharmacy was Lakeview Compounding.
Clare stopped breathing.
"Caleb brought home a receipt from Lakeview before he died."
"Do you remember anything on it?" Dominic asked.
"A number. 417."
Mercer typed.
One archived file appeared.
PATIENT 417 - M. VALE.
The date was nine years ago.
Six weeks after Marcus's funeral.
Arthur whispered, "No."
The attached address belonged to Lake Briar Recovery Center, which had burned down eight years earlier.
Vincent pulled the ownership history.
The facility was registered to Voss Medical Holdings.
Arthur slammed his palm on the table.
"I never owned that company."
The incorporation papers carried his signature.
Dominic studied the date.
Arthur had been in New York federal court that entire week.
"Forged," Dominic said.
Vincent kept searching.
One former nurse remained on record.
Rebecca Sloan.
Councilman Peter Sloan suddenly stood.
Dominic turned. "Your sister?"
Peter's face emptied.
"She died seven years ago."
Arthur said quietly, "So did Marcus."
Peter ran.
Vincent caught him before he reached the hall.
Peter stopped fighting and said, "Rebecca called me yesterday."
Dominic stared.
"What did she say?"
"That Marcus was alive. That I had to vote Arthur into control tonight."
"Why Arthur?"
"She said Arthur was the only man Marcus couldn't control."
Peter handed over his phone.
A voicemail played.
"Peter, Marcus is alive. Dominic's crash was staged. If Dominic still controls Vale Group by midnight, they move to the second plan."
The message ended.
Ellie, half asleep against Clare, suddenly lifted her head.
A red alarm flashed.
Vincent checked the system.
"Gas alert. East guest wing."
May you like
Clare's face went white.
"That's Ellie's room."
