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Chapter 5 - Turning Off the Machines

Rebecca stared at the paper on the table. For a fraction of a second, absolute terror flashed across her face, but she quickly masked it with an expression of outraged confusion.

"What is this?" she demanded, refusing to touch the paper. "Robert, you are having a breakdown. This is madness!"

"It's a chemical analysis of the pills Lily hid in her backpack," Robert said, stepping closer to her. "The pills you forced her to take, Rebecca. The ones that Dr. Spencer here conveniently 'missed' in her initial blood panels because he was too busy preparing his multi-million dollar medical research grant—funded entirely by your upcoming inheritance."

Dr. Spencer backed away toward the door. "This is slander! I am calling security!"

"Go ahead," Robert said, pulling a sleek black remote from his pocket. "I’ve already had my private security team override the hospital's electronic lock system. No one is coming in. And no one is going out."

With a click of the remote, the heavy wooden doors of the suite locked with a loud, metallic snap.

"Robert, please," Rebecca sobbed, falling to her knees. "I love you! I love Lily! Why would I do this?"

"Because of my will," Robert said, his voice cracking with pure betrayal. "If Lily dies, eighty percent of my estate goes to you. If she lives, she inherits everything when she turns eighteen, and you get a monthly stipend. You couldn't wait five more years, could you?"

Robert turned to the ventilator. His hands trembled as he reached for the main power switch.

"Don't do it!" Spencer yelled. "Without the oxygen, her brain will suffer permanent, irreversible hypoxia! She will die!"

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"No," Robert whispered, looking at his daughter's pale face. "She will wake up."

He flipped the switch.

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