Chapter 5 - THE DOCTOR WHO KNEW MY BROTHER'S HEART
Dr. Michael Voss had told me Evan might not survive without expensive treatment.
He'd recommended tests our insurance refused to cover.
He'd referred me to the financial office where Graham Pike's loan advertisement appeared.
And every time I cried over the cost, he'd gently reminded me that my brother's life depended on finding money.
Now his photograph lay on the table beside Vincent Rourke.
I felt physically sick.
"Are you sure?"
Rebecca nodded.
"The payment trail leads to a consulting company controlled by Dr. Voss."
I shook my head.
"He helped Evan."
"Some of his treatment may have been appropriate," she said carefully. "But the financial relationship raises serious questions."
I thought of every appointment.
Every prescription.
Every night I counted pills beneath the kitchen light.
"Does Evan really need the medication?"
Rebecca leaned forward.
"Don't change anything without speaking to an independent cardiologist."
I nodded.
But my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
That evening, Leo called.
"Clara, I heard about Voss."
I closed my eyes.
"He knew."
"We don't yet know everything."
"He knew about Evan's condition. My blood type. My schedule."
Leo was silent.
Then he said, "I'm arranging an independent medical review."
"With someone you trust?"
"With someone you choose. Rebecca can give you several hospital options."
I swallowed.
"Thank you."
He hesitated.
"Clara, there's something else."
My stomach tightened.
"What?"
"Voss treated my younger sister years ago."
I stared.
"You have a sister?"
"Had."
The word landed heavily.
"What happened?"
"She died when she was sixteen."
My chest tightened.
"I'm sorry."
Leo's voice became rough.
"Her name was Isabella."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then he continued.
"She had a congenital heart condition."
My breath caught.
"Like Evan?"
"Very similar."
I sat down slowly.
"Was Voss her doctor?"
"Yes."
"And she died?"
"After a surgery he recommended."
I stared at the floor.
"Did anyone investigate?"
"My father tried."
"What happened?"
"The hospital closed ranks. The records were sealed. Voss claimed the complications were unavoidable."
A terrible suspicion formed.
"Leo, do you think Voss hurt your sister?"
"I don't know. But I know someone paid him to keep quiet afterward."
My heart hammered.
"Who?"
A long silence.
Then Leo said a name I'd only heard in whispered conversations.
"Vincent Rourke."
I looked toward Evan's bedroom.
My brother was laughing at something on his laptop.
He had no idea how close danger had come.
Then Rebecca called again.
The independent laboratory had reviewed part of Evan's medical history.
The preliminary findings suggested some of his recent tests had been misrepresented.
My heart stopped.
May you like
And the most frightening possibility of all entered my mind.
Someone might have been using my brother's illness to control me.
