Chapter 13 - Raymond’s Oldest Friend
Victor pressed the syringe closer to the IV port.
Raymond did not move.
“If you inject him, you will never leave this floor.”
Victor smiled sadly.
“I never expected to.”
“You built this hospital with Elizabeth.”
“I built the medicine.”
“You and Elizabeth built the mythology.”
Victor had spent decades watching the Saint Claire family receive credit for research he believed belonged to him.
He resented the trust.
He resented the family name.
He resented the rule requiring patient protections before profit.
The offshore investors promised him ownership of the genetic program.
Lawrence promised him the chief executive position after Raymond was removed.
Robert promised access to Emily’s child.
Every conspirator believed they would control the others.
Victor looked toward the incubator.
“This treatment could change medicine.”
“Then test it legally,” Raymond said.
“Ethics committees fear risk.”
“Parents fear risk.”
“Children do not get to refuse.”
Raymond stepped closer.
“That is why adults must refuse for them.”
Melissa’s hand began shaking.
The syringe slipped slightly.
Victor tightened his grip.
Emily’s voice came through the intercom.
“Melissa.”
Everyone looked toward the speaker.
Emily had demanded access to the security system from her recovery bed.
“You told yourself you were helping my son.”
“You still have one chance to help him.”
Victor shouted at her to be silent.
Emily continued.
“Take your hand away.”
“Step back.”
“Let them protect him.”
Melissa looked at the newborn.
Then she released the syringe.
Victor lunged.
Raymond tackled him before he reached the incubator.
Security officers secured both men.
A neonatal nurse rushed forward and checked Elias.
The medication had not entered his line.
He was alive.
He was stable.
Emily began sobbing when Raymond carried the baby’s incubator back into the secure elevator.
Victor was taken into custody.
Melissa agreed to testify.
The conspiracy appeared fully exposed.
Then police examined the syringe.
It did not contain experimental gene therapy.
It contained potassium chloride.
Victor had not planned to test the baby.
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He had planned to stop his heart.
Someone had ordered him to destroy the child after the trust transfer failed.
