Chapter 4 — Evidence, Not Anger

Graham did not confront Vanessa. Not that morning. Not when she entered his study in a cream-colored coat and announced she had scheduled another appointment with Dr. Sutter.

Not when she placed a cup of tea beside his hand. And not when she kissed his forehead and told him she loved him.

He smiled, waited until she left, and poured the tea into a sterile container Dana had provided. If Vanessa had been trying to harm him, anger would not protect him.

Evidence would.

Over the next four days, Graham learned how carefully his life had been dismantled. The tea contained the same compound found in his blood — a concentrated medication normally restricted to controlled medical use.

In repeated doses, Dr. Kim explained, it could damage the delicate cells responsible for hearing and balance. The amount in any single drink was small.