Chapter 13 - The Number in the Threat
The attachment was not proof that Paula had sent the threat.
It was a clue someone wanted us to notice.
I reminded everyone in the meeting of that distinction.
Security coordinated with law enforcement and strengthened protections for the affected employees.
The workers were informed without spreading unverified accusations.
I called my mother only after counsel advised a limited, factual question.
"Has anybody had access to your phone or contact list?" I asked.
"You think I threatened hospital employees?" she cried.
"I didn't say that."
"You're trying to send me to prison because I embarrassed you."
"Mom, answer the question."
She went silent.
Then she admitted Caroline had borrowed her phone during a visit.
"She needed to send a photograph," Mom said.
"Of what?"
"I don't remember."
I ended the call and passed the information to investigators.
The next day, the cyber team confirmed that a handful of files presented as stolen had been assembled from public web pages and old press releases.
Other claims still required assessment.
We maintained patient-notification procedures based on verified findings rather than speculation.
Matthew called that evening.
"I heard your mother is telling people you used my position to get promoted," he said.
I sighed.
"She couldn't even remember what I did when you married Erin."
"That's what I told her."
He hesitated.
"I should have challenged the story earlier."
"You weren't responsible for creating it."
"But I benefited from the comparison."
That admission stayed with me.
In the operations center, Teresa pinned a small note near the status board.
It read, "One safe shift at a time."
The note became our unofficial motto.
For forty-eight hours, no major new clinical disruptions emerged.
Then Daniel arrived with news from the independent document examiner.
The forged executive letter had likely been created from an old stationery template.
May you like
And a faint printer identification mark pointed to a print shop Caroline had used for years.
