Chapter 3 - The Temporary Death
Dr. Pierce injected Vivian with medication.
After several seconds, her pulse returned.
She remained unconscious as paramedics carried her away.
Adrian ordered his personal medical team to follow the ambulance.
Then he turned to Dr. Pierce.
“What did she mean by make me look dead?”
Pierce removed his gloves.
“There are drugs that can slow respiration and heart rate to nearly undetectable levels.”
“Used improperly, they can cause permanent damage.”
“Used by someone trained, they can create the appearance of death.”
Julian laughed softly.
“You should listen to the doctor.”
“He knows more about temporary deaths than anyone in this room.”
Pierce stiffened.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Julian looked toward Adrian.
“Ask him about your father.”
Adrian’s face changed.
Richard Vale had died seven years earlier after collapsing during a board retreat.
Dr. Pierce had signed the death certificate.
The official cause had been sudden cardiac arrest.
Adrian stepped closer to him.
“Was my father given the same substance?”
Pierce looked offended.
“Your father had severe heart disease.”
“No.”
“He had a clean physical three weeks before he died.”
“Stress can change everything.”
Nora watched the doctor carefully.
His right hand was shaking.
Marcus’s team returned from the bridal corridor.
Celeste had not left the estate.
Her wedding dress had been found inside an office.
A black service uniform was missing from a supply closet.
She had disguised herself as staff.
Adrian ordered every employee identified.
Julian leaned against the wall.
“You’re still focusing on the wrong person.”
“Then tell me what is on the drive,” Adrian said.
“Release me.”
“No.”
“Then you may never find out.”
Adrian stepped close enough that Julian’s smile finally disappeared.
“You helped poison my glass.”
“You helped my bride frame an innocent woman.”
“And you are standing beside an elevator shaft with nowhere to go.”
“You are not negotiating.”
Julian’s eyes moved toward Nora.
“She has seen the drive before.”
Nora stared at him.
“I have never seen you before tonight.”
“That isn’t what I said.”
Adrian looked between them.
Julian continued.
“The drive belonged to Nora’s father.”
The ballroom fell silent again.
Nora’s father, Detective Michael Bennett, had died in a car accident nine years earlier.
At least, that was what every official record claimed.
Julian tilted his head.
May you like
“Tell them, Nora.”
“Tell them what your father was investigating when someone cut his brakes.”
