Chapter 18 - false prescription
Three weeks later, the morning sun broke warm and bright over the small coastal town of Montauk, two hundred miles from the dark shadows of Vane Manor.
I sat on the wooden deck of a small rented cottage overlooking the grey, foaming waves of the Atlantic. The fresh sea air smelled of salt and wild grass, blowing gently through the white cotton curtains of the open porch door.
Leo lay in a wooden bassinet beside my chair, fast asleep under a hand-knitted yellow blanket. His skin had returned to a healthy, rosy flush, and his pediatrician in town—a warm, elderly woman recommended by Maya’s family—had confirmed that the toxic residue had completely cleared from his liver.
Eleanor Vane and Dr. Thorne were currently held without bail in federal custody, charged with conspiracy to commit murder, child endangerment, and illegal human pharmaceutical trials. Julian was facing twenty years in state prison for corporate fraud and attempted kidnapping.
Maya walked out onto the deck holding two mugs of hot coffee, setting one down on the small wicker table beside me before leaning against the wooden railing, looking out toward the ocean.
"The state prosecutor called an hour ago," Maya said, taking a sip of her coffee. "The Vane family foundation has been officially placed under federal receivership. The court approved your full, sole legal custody of Leo this morning."
I let out a long, shuddering breath, resting my hand gently on Leo’s chest as he slept. "It feels like a nightmare I’m finally waking up from, Maya. I can look at him now without wondering if every sleep is a coma."
"You did good, Laura," Maya said softly, smiling down at the baby. "You saved his life."
May you like
"We saved his life," I corrected, looking up at her with profound gratitude. "If you hadn't noticed how heavy he felt in that diner three weeks ago, I would still be sitting in that nursery, believing I was losing my mind."
Maya reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a small sealed manila envelope. "The police returned your personal effects from the manor yesterday. Most of it was just clothing and baby gear. But Sarah found this tucked inside the lining of your old diaper bag."
