Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 42

"Dr. Morrow, what did I ever do to you?"

Those were the only words Emily could muster, her mouth still agape in disbelief at what she'd just heard.

Dr. Morrow looked away, his expression a mix of shame, pain, and anger. He couldn't bring himself to meet the eyes of the innocent woman sitting before him, broken and stunned.

"I had no choice," he muttered, his voice low.

The officers in the room eyed him sharply, their expressions hard.

"I can't believe this..." Emily sobbed, and Donna quickly stepped in, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "Why?"

"I told you, I was forced. It wasn't my decision," Dr. Morrow replied, his head hanging.

"Then whose decision was it?" Emily broke free of Donna's hold and cautiously moved closer to him.

Dr. Morrow glanced around nervously. By speaking to the police earlier, he'd put not only his own life but also his daughter's at risk. That's when they'd brought Mark in for questioning. But Mark walked, claiming there was no evidence to hold him.

"I've told them already, but no one here believed me!" Dr. Morrow's voice cracked, frustration evident.

"Watch your mouth," one of the officers snapped. "You'll speak when spoken to."

Emily knelt beside him, looking him in the eyes with a gentleness that contrasted the tears streaming down her face. "Who is it?" she whispered.

"You already know, Mrs. Smith," Dr. Morrow replied, bitterness in his voice. "The man who'd do anything to get what he wants—even if it meant someone else had to die."

He let out a hollow, frustrated chuckle. "My poor daughter... he'll kill her now."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Doc," another officer warned, his voice measured. "Making statements like that can get you into trouble in court."

Emily, overwhelmed with emotion, pulled back, her thoughts racing. "Why would he—"

"A man like him? He gets what he wants, no matter the cost," Dr. Morrow said, his tone bleak.

"Officer," Emily said, her voice shaky but determined, "you heard him. He mentioned a name. Have you done anything about it?"

One of the officers crossed his arms and sighed. "We brought him in earlier today. No evidence to hold him," he said. "But we're still investigating. We'll get to the bottom of this. That's a promise."

Emily squinted, her disbelief clear. "What?"

"He's a smart one," Dr. Morrow muttered darkly.

***

Emily stared at Mrs. Waterfield's motionless body, fear filling her eyes.

"The doctors say there's still hope. All the bills have been paid, so there's nothing to worry about. All you have to do is hang in there, and soon it will all be over. Then you can see your grandson," she said, her voice shaking.

Both of her hands gripped one of Mrs. Waterfield's weak hands as hope surged within her. But the sound of the monitor's slowing heartbeat filled the room.

"He's a big boy now, just like I told you before. He can't wait to meet you... please, just hang on," she whispered, tears beginning to fall from her eyes.

"In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you will be fine. Lord, please, I beg You, place Your healing hands upon my mother. Don't let her die... the effects of the poisonous medicine will wear off. They will," she cried and murmured, her voice cracking.