Chapter 5: The Doctor’s Warning
Maya moved in front of Adrian and Caleb.
The guards kept their hands near their jackets.
Dr. Hale appeared calm, almost disappointed.
“You have no idea what you’re interfering with,” he said.
Adrian held up the medical file.
“This says I had nerve response.”
“You had temporary reflex activity.”
“The therapist said I could recover.”
“She was wrong.”
“Then why hide the recording?”
Hale looked toward Caleb.
“Because false hope can destroy a patient.”
Caleb stepped forward.
“My mom said you threatened her.”
Hale’s jaw tightened.
“Your mother was unstable.”
“She was your physical therapist,” Adrian said.
“She became emotionally involved in your case.”
“She was already carrying my child.”
“That made her even less objective.”
Adrian rolled closer.
“What medication have you been giving me?”
Hale’s expression changed.
“Medication that prevents muscle spasms, pain, and seizures.”
“Does it also prevent movement?”
Hale did not answer.
Maya reached into the cabinet and removed several treatment schedules.
“The dosage increased every time Adrian showed improvement.”
“That is not evidence of wrongdoing.”
“It’s enough for an independent investigation.”
One of the guards took a step toward Maya.
Adrian felt Caleb’s hand on his knee again.
“Don’t,” Adrian whispered.
“I need to know.”
The boy pressed the same point beneath Adrian’s kneecap.
Pain shot through Adrian’s leg.
Real pain.
Sharp, burning, undeniable.
His thigh muscle tightened.
Adrian grabbed the armrest and pulled himself forward.
For one impossible second, his body rose several inches from the wheelchair.
Then he fell back.
Everyone in the room stared.
Even Dr. Hale appeared shaken.
“You felt that,” Caleb said.
Adrian’s breathing became uneven.
“Yes.”
Hale recovered quickly.
“An involuntary reaction proves nothing.”
“It proves you lied.”
The lights suddenly went out.
Maya shouted for Caleb.
Someone grabbed the boy in the darkness.
Adrian heard a struggle, a door opening, and Caleb crying out his name.
“Adrian!”
Emergency lights flickered on.
The two guards were gone.
So was Dr. Hale.
The basement door stood open.
Caleb’s jacket lay on the floor.
Inside its pocket was the faded photograph.
May you like
And written across the back in Hannah’s handwriting were four words:
GRANT CAUSED THE CRASH.
