Chapter 14 - Preston’s Final Bargain
Preston requested to speak with Emily.
His attorney claimed he had information that could prevent another attack.
Emily refused at first.
Then a package arrived at the hospital.
Inside was a photograph of Elias in the NICU.
It had been taken after the kidnapping attempt.
Someone still had access to the secure floor.
A note beneath the photograph read:
THE FIRST BABY WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE.
Emily agreed to the meeting.
Preston sat behind reinforced glass in a police interview room.
He looked exhausted.
The arrogance had drained from him.
“What does the note mean?”
Preston stared at his hands.
“My father tested the program before.”
“On whom?”
“A baby born at Saint Claire eleven years ago.”
“The child died.”
“The death was recorded as respiratory failure.”
Emily felt sick.
“Who were the parents?”
Preston looked at Raymond.
“Your brother.”
Raymond had a younger son named Jonathan.
Jonathan and his wife lost a newborn daughter eleven years earlier.
The tragedy destroyed their marriage.
Jonathan moved overseas.
He had never returned.
Lawrence and Victor had used the baby in an illegal trial without the parents’ consent.
When she died, they falsified the records.
Raymond closed his eyes.
“You knew?”
“I found out last year.”
“And you still helped them.”
Preston’s voice broke.
“My father said if the truth came out, the entire hospital would collapse.”
“No.”
Emily looked at him.
“You helped because he promised you control.”
Preston did not deny it.
He revealed that Lawrence kept a private archive documenting every illegal procedure.
The archive was hidden beneath the Whitmore family residence.
It contained the identity of the offshore investor directing the operation.
Preston offered the access code in exchange for reduced charges.
Emily stood.
“You watched Vanessa kick me.”
“You helped drug me.”
“You planned to take my child.”
“You do not bargain with me.”
She left the room.
Raymond remained behind.
“Give the police the code.”
Preston leaned toward the glass.
“What do I receive?”
Raymond’s face became cold.
“The possibility that your son may one day learn you did one decent thing.”
Preston lowered his head.
Then he gave them six numbers.
The archive opened before dawn.
Inside was a contract signed by the offshore investor.
May you like
The name at the bottom was Jonathan Saint Claire.
Raymond’s own son.
