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?”