Chapter 5 - THE MAN WHO WANTED DOMINIC DEAD
Dominic's wheelchair struck the desk as he turned.
“Isabella, listen to me. Where are you?”
The line crackled.
“I'm sorry,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“For disappearing.”
Dominic's expression broke.
Piper had never seen him look so vulnerable.
“Bella, I buried you.”
A sob came through the phone.
“I know.”
“Four years.”
“I know.”
“Four years, Isabella.”
Piper stepped closer.
Dominic's hand was trembling.
Then Isabella spoke again.
“Vincent has people everywhere. He knows you're asking questions.”
“Let him know.”
“Dominic, please.”
His jaw tightened.
“Where are you?”
“Somewhere safe.”
“Tell me.”
“I can't.”
“Bella—”
“He's watching the house.”
Piper looked toward the windows.
A black SUV was parked beyond the gates.
She'd noticed it that morning.
Now her stomach twisted.
Isabella continued.
“There's something else.”
Dominic closed his eyes.
“What?”
“The shooting wasn't supposed to leave you paralyzed.”
His eyes opened.
“What does that mean?”
“He wanted you dead.”
Silence.
Then Isabella whispered, “And he still does.”
The call ended.
Dominic stared at the phone.
Piper didn't move.
Finally, he spoke.
“Get Garrett.”
She hesitated.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Garrett arrived ten minutes later.
Dominic looked at him.
“Vincent ordered the shooting.”
Garrett went pale.
“Who told you?”
“Isabella.”
For a moment, Garrett looked relieved.
Then frightened.
“She's alive?”
“Yes.”
Garrett sat heavily.
“Thank God.”
Dominic studied him.
“You knew Vincent was involved.”
Garrett shook his head.
“I suspected.”
“And you said nothing.”
“I had no proof.”
Dominic's voice became ice.
“You were responsible for my security.”
“I know.”
“My driver died.”
Garrett lowered his eyes.
“I know.”
Piper stepped backward.
The tension was unbearable.
Then Dominic asked, “Who else knew about the route that night?”
Garrett hesitated.
“Five people.”
“Names.”
“Me. Michael. Vincent. Your attorney. And…”
He stopped.
Dominic leaned forward.
“And?”
Garrett looked toward Piper.
“Someone from the medical staff.”
Piper frowned.
“What medical staff?”
Garrett swallowed.
“The person who had access to Dominic's rehabilitation schedule.”
Dominic stared at him.
“Dr. Harris?”
Garrett nodded.
Piper's heart sank.
Dr. Harris was the physician who had supervised Dominic's care since the shooting.
The man who insisted Dominic's paralysis was permanent.
The man who had discouraged further rehabilitation.
Dominic slowly looked toward the doorway.
“Where is Harris?”
Garrett checked his phone.
“He's on his way here.”
Dominic's expression hardened.
“Cancel the appointment.”
“Why?”
“Because I want someone else to examine me.”
Piper felt a flicker of hope.
“Dominic…”
He raised one hand.
“Don't.”
She nodded.
But later that evening, while helping organize his medical records, Piper noticed something strange.
A prescription had been changed three times.
Each adjustment increased a medication that could cause profound weakness and sedation.
She photographed the pages and brought them to Dominic.
“Does this look normal?”
He examined the records.
His face darkened.
“Dr. Harris prescribed all of these.”
Piper nodded.
Dominic called an independent neurologist.
Within an hour, the doctor reviewed the records and requested an urgent evaluation.
Then he said something that made Piper's heart race.
“Mr. Rizzo, I can't determine your recovery potential without examining you.”
Dominic frowned.
“Why?”
“Because these records contain inconsistencies.”
“What kind?”
The doctor hesitated.
“Your latest imaging report doesn't match the original surgical findings.”
Dominic stared at him.
“Are you saying my paralysis isn't permanent?”
“I'm saying someone may have misrepresented your prognosis.”
Piper covered her mouth.
Dominic's voice dropped.
“Who?”
The doctor looked at the signature.
“Dr. Harris.”
May you like
Then he added:
“And according to these records, your original surgeon recommended rehabilitation six months ago. Someone canceled it.”
