Chapter 12 - If Daniel Refuses
Inside the envelope was a medical power of attorney.
My name was on it.
So was Lauren’s.
The signature was fake again.
But that wasn’t the worst part.
Attached to it was a typed statement describing me as unstable, sleep-deprived, and prone to impulsive behavior under stress.
I almost laughed.
“Who was this for?” I asked.
The officer said, “There’s no recipient listed.”
Dad read over my shoulder. “This would make it easier to challenge your decisions if you resisted a financial transaction.”
Marcus nodded. “Especially if a cooperating doctor supported it.”
My mind went straight to Peter.
He was still inside with another officer.
“No,” I said. “Peter’s a surgeon, but he wouldn’t—”
Then I stopped.
I had said that sentence too many times about too many people.
Mom looked at me. “Ask him.”
I did.
Peter was sitting alone in the library when I walked in.
He looked older than he had that morning.
I placed the medical document in front of him.
His face went white.
“Did you know?”
He shook his head.
“Did you ever discuss my mental health with Lauren?”
“Only casually.”
“What does casually mean?”
“She asked whether stress could make someone behave irrationally.”
“And?”
“I told her anyone can make bad decisions under extreme stress.”
“Did you sign anything?”
“No.”
I believed him until he looked away.
“What did you sign?”
He rubbed his jaw.
“One letter.”
My chest tightened.
“What letter?”
“She said it was for an insurance application. It stated that you had experienced insomnia and anxiety after the company merger.”
“You knew I wasn’t your patient.”
“I know.”
“You used hospital letterhead?”
Silence.
I leaned closer.
“Peter.”
He nodded.
The betrayal landed differently this time.
Less like a punch.
More like a door closing.
Then he whispered, “Daniel, Victor Dane wasn’t supposed to be involved this long.”
I stared at him.
“How do you know Victor Dane?”
May you like
Peter looked toward the doorway.
“Because he’s Lauren’s father.”
