Chapter 12 - Dr. Vale
Richard stood so fast the chair nearly tipped over.
Dr. Samuel Vale stopped in the doorway.
“Is something wrong?”
Claire looked at the copy of her mother’s letter.
“Do you know Grant Mercer?”
The doctor’s expression did not change.
“I know many patients and families.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
He looked at Richard, then back at Claire. “Yes. I know him.”
“How?”
“His father and I were friends.”
Richard’s jaw tightened.
“His father is dead.”
“Yes.”
Claire held up the letter. “My mother wrote your name before she died.”
For the first time, Dr. Vale’s eyes moved.
Not toward the letter.
Toward the door.
Richard noticed.
So did Detective Bell, who had just entered behind him.
“Doctor,” Bell said, “I need you to remain in the room.”
Vale gave a small smile. “Am I under arrest?”
“No.”
“Then I have patients.”
Bell stepped aside. “You may leave, but an officer will accompany you.”
Vale’s smile disappeared.
Claire said, “Did you alter my mother’s medical file?”
He turned back.
“No.”
“Did you alter mine?”
“No.”
“Did you give Grant access to this hospital?”
“No.”
Bell’s phone buzzed.
He read a new message and looked up.
“Interesting.”
Vale remained still.
Bell walked closer. “Digital forensics just opened another section of Grant’s flash drive. There are payments to a company called Vale Health Consulting.”
Peter Vale, Grant’s attorney, appeared in the hallway at the exact moment his father’s name was spoken.
“Dad?” he said.
Claire felt the room tilt.
Samuel Vale closed his eyes briefly.
Peter looked at Grant, who was still under guard farther down the hall.
Then at his father.
“What did you do?”
Samuel’s voice dropped.
“Nothing you need to be part of.”
Peter took a step backward.
Bell watched both men.
Then Samuel Vale reached into his coat pocket.
Three officers moved at once.
“Hands where we can see them!”
Vale froze.
Slowly, he pulled out a phone.
Its screen was already lit.
One unsent message was visible.
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