Chapter 2: Shadows of Doubt
The hospital hallway smelled of antiseptic and fear.
Mark paced back and forth outside the emergency room, replaying the scene over and over in his head. Something didn’t feel right—but he couldn’t ignore what Liam had said.
A doctor finally stepped out.
“He’s stable,” she said. “It appears to be a reaction to a chemical substance—something bitter, possibly toxic, but not lethal in small doses. He’ll recover.”
Mark exhaled, his knees nearly giving out from relief.
But then came the question that changed everything.
“Where did the substance come from?”
Hours later, a detective approached Mark with new information.
“We tested the powder,” she said. “It’s not poison. It’s a concentrated herbal compound—extremely bitter, but not deadly.”
Mark frowned. “Then why did he react like that?”
“Because someone added something else,” she replied. “We found traces of cleaning solvent in Liam’s bloodstream.”
Mark’s heart stopped.
“That wasn’t in the mug.”
At that moment, a nurse approached.
“Sir… your son is awake. He’s asking for you.”
Mark rushed in.
Liam looked weak, but his eyes were clearer now.
“Dad…” he whispered.
“I’m here, buddy.”
There was a pause.
“…I think I made a mistake.”
Mark froze.
“What do you mean?”
Liam swallowed hard. “The lady didn’t give me the drink… I took it myself. It was on the counter.”
May you like
Mark’s entire world tilted.
“If she didn’t give it to you… then who put it there?”
