Chapter 11 - The Five Children
Naomi contacted the families on Leonard’s list.
One child had recently suffered an unexplained seizure.
Another had been hospitalized after a mysterious allergic reaction.
A third had received an experimental medication from a parent employed at Sherman Biotech.
Leonard may have started smaller tests before targeting Toby.
The hospital notified federal investigators.
Sherman Biotech’s board suspended all research operations.
Elijah stepped down as chief executive.
His attorney advised him not to.
“Resigning looks like guilt.”
Elijah answered, “Staying looks worse.”
For the first time, he chose responsibility over appearance.
Investors fled.
The company’s stock collapsed.
Employees filled the hospital lobby demanding information.
Elijah watched the news on a muted television.
“My father built that company.”
Naomi checked Toby’s IV.
“And Leonard used children to save it.”
“I let him become powerful.”
“Yes.”
He looked at her.
“Will you ever stop saying what I deserve to hear?”
“No.”
Toby’s condition improved enough to transfer him to intensive care.
He woke more often.
He asked for crayons.
He also cried whenever a nurse brought a syringe near him.
Naomi stayed during every procedure.
Cassandra remained in custody.
She requested to speak with Elijah.
He refused.
Then her attorney delivered a message.
Cassandra claimed Leonard possessed proof that Elijah personally ordered the experiment.
Elijah called it another lie.
But Naomi remembered how easily he had dismissed Trial 6.
She asked one question.
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“Did you ever tell Leonard the company needed a pediatric success at any cost?”
Elijah went silent.
