Chapter 106: The Only Lead

“But the patient in Room 316 was in a car accident,” Madeline said. “After waking up, there shouldn’t be any medication-related problems. I just never found a chance.”

Every time she passed Room 316, she saw a group of people inside. Aimee, a young, well-educated girl, had her family bring her laptop to the hospital after regaining consciousness. She lay in bed, working every day.

Madeline didn’t know the culprit or his motive. Her previous medication deliveries targeted older people; she couldn’t understand why this young girl was a target.

“You’re saying he never called until Aimee’s discharge? He didn’t ask you to do anything before then?” Chase asked.

Madeline nodded. “This was the only time. I got two calls. He told me to watch Room 316, find a chance to act before discharge, then text him. He’d get the doctor’s signature.”

Previously, she’d followed orders. This time, she had to take the initiative—watch the girl, find a chance to use her job to harm someone. Madeline was scared. She stalled until Aimee’s discharge, never finding an opportunity to get close.

The man called once to pressure her. When she mentioned the constant presence of people in the room, he went silent.

“He paid way more attention to Aimee than to others over the past six months. That’s why I watched her closely. I just didn’t expect you guys to notice,” she said.

After a long silence, Madeline added, “I also saw Dr. Sean. I didn’t tell him I was getting the meds, or anything specific. I just tried to gauge what he knew. But I always felt Dr. Sean was like me—threatened by someone. He probably had no idea who he was prescribing for, or who was picking up the medication.”

That clarified things. Waylon and Chase finally understood how someone could hide within Cloud Hospital for so long: no one knew each person’s role.

Madeline took a shaky sip of now-cooled water, emptying the glass. Looking at Chase, she said, “Chief, can I go home and see my son? I know what I did was wrong, but I need to make sure he’s okay. He’s still so young. He can’t survive on his own.”

Chase glanced at Waylon, who was silently processing everything. After a moment, Chase cleared his throat and called Waylon’s name.

Waylon looked at Madeline. “As long as you understand this was illegal. Right now, Aimee’s been kidnapped; you’re our only lead. Arresting you now might prevent us from catching the real culprit. You can go home today, but don’t leave Gennemont before the case closes. Can you do that?”

“Yes,” Madeline nodded quickly. “Then I’ll leave this phone with you.”

“Wait,” Chase stopped her, handing the phone back. “If the caller notices a different phone…”

It wasn’t a bad idea. Madeline had been threatened; Waylon wanted a middle ground. He nodded in agreement. “Just do as he said. You can go, but don’t tell anyone about this—especially not Dr. Sean. Keep things quiet. If he contacts you, call me directly.”

He lacked a business card, so he tore a piece of paper from his desk, scribbled his name and number, and handed it to her. “Find a way to call me. I’ll make sure your kid stays safe. Starting tomorrow, I’ll have someone watching near his school.”

“Thank you so much,” Madeline said, her eyes red.

They’d asked everything they needed. Madeline stood and left; Melody opened the door for her. Only after she left did Chase call Melody back in.

“Do you know much about Dr. Sean from cardiology?”

Melody quickly recalled his file and answered in a flat, methodical tone. “Dr. Sean’s family situation is complicated. His ex-wife cheated on him, and the child wasn’t his. She took the child and left. His parents are elderly, and he’s a devoted son—he spends most of his time at home caring for them.”

So, the man was threatening Sean through his parents.

“Have Blanc keep an eye on Sean, but don’t blow the cover,” Chase said. “Blanc doesn’t need to be on Madeline’s shift anymore. Try to schedule him for Sean’s night shifts.”

Melody left to make the arrangements.

“Having a secretary really does make a difference. Now look at you, giving orders,” Waylon said, lighting a cigarette. He hadn’t smoked earlier due to a woman’s presence in the room. A cigarette helped him calm down under pressure.