“Some labels had been removed.”
Rebecca asked:
“Why is that relevant to Rachel’s case?”
Mercer looked at me.
“Because your toxicology screen from the night you were admitted showed
a small amount of a sedating medication.”
The room went silent.
I stared at him.
“No.”
“You were not at a level that would explain unconsciousness.”
“But it was present.”
I thought about dinner.
Gloria had poured tea.
I drank half.
Then the argument started.
My stomach turned.
“They drugged me?”
“We are investigating that possibility.”
I covered my mouth.
Rebecca stood beside me.
“Breathe slowly.”
I did.
In.
Out.
The broken leg had been horrifying.
But this was different.
This meant there might have been a plan before Gloria ever lifted the
rolling pin.
I remembered Nathan’s words.
After this, she’ll have to quit her job and stay home.
Then we can finally control her.
Maybe the injury had not been planned.
But control had been.
Detective Mercer continued.
“Your neighbor also gave a statement.”
“Mrs. Dalton?”
“Yes.”
“She reported hearing arguments from the property before.”
I looked away.
“She said she once saw your husband take your car keys while you were
trying to leave.”
I remembered that night.
Nathan had told me I was being dramatic.
I slept in the guest room.
The next morning, he brought flowers.
I accepted them.
Mercer closed the folder.
“The investigation will take time.”
“But you need to know this is broader than one assault.”
Rebecca nodded.
