Chapter 6 - The Manufactured Miracle
Naomi read the research proposal.
Dr. Leonard Shaw had repeatedly requested permission to test SN-14 in children.
Every ethics committee rejected him.
The risks were too high.
But the company was preparing for a major funding vote.
If Toby appeared to suffer a fatal allergic reaction and SN-14 seemed to rescue him, Leonard could present the case as proof.
There was one problem.
Toby had not improved because of SN-14.
The drug had caused the crisis.
Naomi had reversed its effects using an established treatment.
Cassandra’s attorney claimed she misunderstood Leonard’s instructions.
Detective Price played the message aloud.
I gave him the full dose. When should the symptoms start?
No misunderstanding could explain that sentence.
Elijah sat beside Toby’s bed after Naomi finally allowed him inside.
Toby remained unconscious.
Elijah touched his son’s small hand.
“I’m sorry.”
Naomi heard him.
“Save apologies for when he can hear them.”
Elijah looked up.
“I never knew.”
“You did not know your wife had an experimental drug in your home?”
“No.”
“You did not know your chief scientist was desperate?”
“I knew he was under pressure.”
“You created that pressure.”
Elijah flinched.
He had promised the board that SN-14 would save the company.
He had threatened Leonard’s job if the drug failed.
He had promoted Cassandra because she could attract investors.
He had built a culture where results mattered more than questions.
He had not ordered anyone to harm Toby.
But he had rewarded the people willing to cross lines.
Naomi checked the monitor.
Toby’s blood pressure was improving.
Then a nurse found unusual bruising near his left shoulder.
Not from the hospital treatment.
A small puncture mark sat beneath the skin.
Naomi’s face tightened.
May you like
The medicine had not been mixed into food.
Someone had injected Toby.
