Then he said the sentence I would hear in nightmares for years.
“Tomorrow I’ll bring the last portion.”
He stroked my hair.
“After that, you won’t have to worry about anything anymore.”
He left.
I waited until Hannah returned.
“Play it.”
We listened.
Every word was there.
Dr. Reynolds was called.
Hospital administration and security became involved.
Law enforcement was notified through the appropriate process.
The thermos Gregory had brought remained on the nightstand.
Nobody drank from it.
Nobody poured it out.
It was preserved for investigators.
That night, an officer documented the item and its handling.
I received a text.
Get some rest. Tomorrow I’ll bring you fresh broth. After that, you’ll
feel much better.
Gregory still believed I knew nothing.
Investigators asked whether I could tolerate him returning the next day.
They did not promise an arrest.
They did not tell me to eat or drink anything.
