The Doctor Who Owed Lauren Everything
Chapter 11 - The Doctor Who Owed Lauren Everything
Dr. Stephen Hale had operated on Claire for five hours.
He had reassured Ethan that the crash was an accident.
He had also signed the report claiming Claire was under the influence of sedatives.
Marcus discovered that Hale owed more than eight hundred thousand dollars to a medical investment company.
Lauren controlled that company.
Ethan wanted the police to arrest him immediately.
Marcus warned that the footage alone did not prove Hale had touched the car. It only placed him inside the garage.
“We need him to talk,” Marcus said.
Ethan disagreed.
“We need Claire away from him.”
They drove to the hospital.
Claire was already there.
Her nursing supervisor had ordered her to attend a formal review. When she entered the conference room, Lauren and Dr. Hale were waiting.
Lauren rose from her chair.
“I’m glad you came voluntarily.”
Claire stopped near the door.
“This is not a hospital review.”
“No. It’s an opportunity.”
Lauren offered to restore Claire’s professional reputation. The news stories would disappear. The board would announce that her medical chart had been misinterpreted.
All Claire had to do was sign a statement.
The statement claimed Ethan had pressured her to investigate the foundation and had become violent after she refused.
“You want me to accuse my husband.”
“I want you to survive what he started.”
Dr. Hale did not look at Claire.
She noticed the sweat near his collar.
“You were in the garage,” she said.
His head lifted.
Lauren’s expression hardened.
Claire had guessed, but his reaction confirmed it.
“What did she make you do?”
“Enough,” Lauren said.
“She owns your debt. Did she tell you to cut the brakes?”
Dr. Hale stood abruptly.
Lauren moved between them.
“You are confused, Claire.”
“No. I was confused when I thought you were protecting this family. You’re only protecting the power your family name gives you.”
Lauren’s hand tightened around the statement.
“You think Ethan will choose you when the company is gone?”
The conference-room doors opened.
Ethan entered with Marcus and two detectives.
Lauren’s face changed.
Ethan looked at the unsigned statement.
Then he looked at his sister.
“I already chose her.”
Lauren laughed.
“You won’t say that when you understand what she cost you.”
She walked out with her attorney before the detectives could detain her.
Dr. Hale remained behind.
He sat slowly and covered his face.
May you like
“I didn’t cut the brakes,” he whispered.
“But I know who did.”
