When I arrived at Nora’s office, they were already in the conference room, looking anxious. “They should be,” I remarked quietly to Nora.
As I entered, Rachel and Derek stood up immediately. My daughter was wearing a light blue dress, almost innocent in its cut. “Mom,” she came forward to hug me, but I took a subtle step back. She hesitated, confused, but quickly turned the movement into a gesture of pulling out a chair for me. “Are you feeling better today?”
“Much better,” I replied, sitting down. “It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do.”
Nora sat down next to me, her expression one of absolute professionalism. “Well,” she began. “Marian Millerasked me to call this meeting to discuss some adjustments to the financial plans.”
Rachel’s eyes momentarily sparkled. “Thirty million?” she interrupted as Nora spoke. “Mom, I really think that’s too much.”
I raised my hand, silencing her. “Actually, there’s been a change of plans,” I said calmly. “After thinking about it, I realized there are more important things than I imagined. Things that only become clear when you’re on the verge of death.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. “What do you mean, Mom?” Rachel asked, forcing a light laugh. “You look great.”
Instead of answering, I opened my purse and took out the lab report. I placed it on the table and slid it towards them. “Do you know what this is?” I asked softly.
Rachel looked at the document without touching it. Derek remained motionless.
“It’s a toxicology report,” I continued, my voice still calm, almost clinical. “An analysis of my cranberry juice from the night before last. Interesting, isn’t it? Propranolol, in a potentially lethal dose for someone with my heart conditions.”
The color drained from Rachel’s face. Derek began to sweat visibly. “Mom, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rachel stammered. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“A joke?” I repeated. “No, Rachel. It’s not a joke. Just as it’s not a joke that you two are drowning in debt, or that you tried to poison me to inherit my money before I could ‘waste’ it on a foundation.”
Derek started to get up, but Nora stopped him with a firm gesture. “I suggest you two stay exactly where you are,” she said, her voice as cold as steel.
Rachel started to cry, large, theatrical tears rolling down her perfectly made-up face. “Mom, I swear I don’t know what you’re talking about! I would never!”