I couldn’t reconcile that woman with somebody willing to help murder me.

“Don’t discuss this with anyone except the detective until we know more,” I told Valerie.

“You think Aunt Connie’s involved?”

“I think somebody has been lying.

I don’t know who.”

The call ended.

Dr.

Ruiz returned with a nurse and explained that my condition was improving, though they were continuing to monitor me and would not speculate about a substance before the tests were reviewed.