Chapter 8 - The Doctor Who Signed Two Death Certificates
The same physician had been present during the final illnesses of Richard Caldwell and Eleanor Bennett.
Grace couldn't decide whether to feel frightened or furious.
"What's his name?" she demanded.
Jonathan looked at her.
"Dr. Alexander Pierce."
Grace went still.
She knew that name.
Pierce had been the specialist who reviewed her mother's condition during her final hospitalization.
He was elegant, softly spoken, and always seemed patient with questions.
He had told Grace there was nothing more anyone could do.
She remembered shaking his hand.
Thanking him.
Believing he'd tried to save her mother.
"That man treated Mom," she whispered.
Jonathan's face tightened.
"I know."
Detective Mitchell arranged for an independent medical review, while investigators examined Pierce's financial connections to Martin Doyle and Victoria Caldwell.
Three days later, they uncovered something astonishing.
Pierce had received large consulting payments through a company controlled by Martin.
The payments increased shortly before Richard Caldwell died.
Then increased again during Eleanor's final hospitalization.
Grace stared at the records.
"He was being paid?"
Mitchell nodded.
"Yes. But we still need to establish what those payments were for."
Jonathan sat beside Grace.
His expression was grim.
"I introduced Pierce to my father."
Grace looked at him.
"You didn't know."
"He was recommended by someone I trusted."
"Victoria?"
Jonathan nodded.
For a long moment, Grace said nothing.
Then she asked, "What was on your father's recording?"
Mitchell opened a transcript.
Richard Caldwell's words appeared across the page.
I believe my medical records have been altered. Eleanor noticed discrepancies. Victoria insists Pierce is trustworthy, but I no longer believe her.
Grace felt tears burning her eyes.
The next paragraph was worse.
If something happens to me, preserve the foundation records. Jonathan must know that Eleanor tried to warn us.
Jonathan covered his face.
Grace wanted to comfort him.
But she understood that this was bigger than either of their grief.
Then Mitchell showed them the final portion.
I have prepared a revised trust directive. Eleanor's children must be protected. Victoria must never control those funds.
Lucas looked up sharply.
"Protected from what?"
Mitchell answered carefully.
"That's part of what we're investigating."
The following evening, Grace received an unexpected visitor.
An elderly woman named Margaret Lewis appeared at the diner where Grace had stopped for coffee.
She had once worked as Richard Caldwell's housekeeper.
"I need to speak with you," Margaret whispered.
Grace immediately called Rebecca, who joined them by phone.
Margaret's hands trembled.
"I kept quiet because I was afraid of losing everything."
Grace leaned forward.
"What happened?"
"Victoria knew Eleanor had evidence. She ordered Martin to search Eleanor's belongings."
Grace felt cold.
"Did they find anything?"
"Not the evidence they wanted."
Margaret lowered her voice.
"But the night Richard died, I saw Victoria enter his bedroom with Dr. Pierce."
"Was Richard awake?"
"Yes."
Margaret began crying.
"He was arguing with them."
Grace's heart hammered.
"What about?"
"His will."
Margaret wiped her face.
"He told Victoria that he knew she'd been moving money out of the foundation."
Grace swallowed.
"And?"
Margaret looked directly into her eyes.
"He said he'd already left instructions with Eleanor Bennett."
A terrible silence followed.
May you like
Then Margaret whispered the words that made Grace's blood run cold.
"Victoria told him Eleanor wouldn't live long enough to use them."
