Chapter 2 - The Paralysis Poison
St. Jude’s Medical Center was a fortress of chaos. Clara had been rushed into the ICU, clinging to life by a thread. Elena sat outside the glass doors, her hands bandaged, her orange uniform stained with dirt and sweat.
Richard paced the hallway, flanked by his high-priced lawyers.
“She had a rare heart condition,” Richard was explaining smoothly to a skeptical detective. “The coroner declared her dead. It’s a tragic medical anomaly. I’m just thanking God my wife is back.”
Elena scoffed from her plastic chair. She knew the truth. Two days ago, Clara had told Elena she was changing her will to cut Richard out after discovering his massive gambling debts. Hours later, Clara had “died” in her sleep.
A doctor emerged from the ICU, holding a clipboard. He looked deeply disturbed.
“Mr. Vance,” the doctor said slowly. “Your wife’s toxicology report just came back. She didn't suffer a heart attack. She was dosed with a synthetic neurotoxin—a derivative of Tetrodotoxin. It slows the heart rate to nearly zero and induces a paralytic coma that mimics death. If that maid hadn't opened the coffin, she would have suffocated under the earth in a matter of hours.”
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Richard feigned a gasp, covering his mouth. “Poisoned? Who would do such a thing?”
Elena stood up, her gaze boring into Richard’s soul. You did, she thought. And I’m going to prove it.
