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Daniel followed Dr. Greene with firm strides. “How is Mrs. Winters’ condition as per your last assessment, Doctor?”
“Fairly healthy, I’d say. All vitals were within normal range considering she’d relapsed into her previous catatonic state.”
Daniel glanced at him. “Mrs. Winters still isn’t mentally coherent?”
“She’s in a catatonic stupor. She’s shown very little reaction when we introduced some stimuli. Although she has shown some symptomatic relief when we gave her the first line treatment of benzodiazepines. However, she needed a higher dose each time and soon her body became immune…”
She won’t be able to say anything if I ask her to help her daughter, thought Daniel, ignoring Greene’s rambling. “Doctor,” he cut the psychiatrist short. “Can Mary-Ann Winters be a candidate to be an organ donor?”
Dr. Greene thought for a second. “I wouldn’t recommend it considering her age and the complications from the medication she is taking. Here’s Mrs. Winters’ room.”
One step in and a sense of dread smothered Daniel. The room was barely furnished. The table, chair and bed were bolted to the floor. No personal belongings were present anywhere. “Rather bare, don’t you think?” Daniel commented.
“A precaution we take considering her state of mind, and that she was institutionalized in the first place.”
The phone in Daniel’s jacket rang. Unknown number. He answered it nevertheless.
“Alpha,” greeted a familiar voice on the other end.
It was his brother, Jeremy. “Whatever you want, make it quick,” said Daniel curtly. He hadn’t forgotten the last time Jeremy had defied him in front of the family and members of the pride.
“You will make time for me, brother.” Jeremy’s voice was sly. “I believe you’re missing something—somebody actually.”
Daniel stilled. His jaw twitched. “You have Mrs. Winters?”
A pause. “Yes. As a matter of fact, I do.”
“Then what is it you want from me in exchange for Mrs. Winters?”
Jeremy laughed derisively. “My brother. A true businessman to the bone. Very well then. I want you to step down as the alpha of our pride and president of Addington Group. Take your little Dream Eater with you and never return. Do yourself a self-imposed banishment.”
“Then it’s a deal.”
“Wait, that’s it? No threats? No, ‘you can’t get away with this’ cliché routine Are you that desperate to save that woman of yours?”
Daniel huffed impatiently. “Jeremy, do you want to negotiate or throw insults? To be honest, I have no interest in the latter. How do you want to conclude our business? Charlotte doesn’t have much time left.”
“Have you had dinner yet? I’m famished. I just ordered a big juicy steak—extra rare. Meet me at Luger. Bring your resignation letter and your Addington share certificates. If I like what I see, I’ll deliver Mrs. Winters in time for surgery tomorrow morning in Harborview.”
“Jeremy, where is she now?” Daniel pressed. “Her health is delicate.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Mrs. Winters is comfortable with not a hair out of place. As long as you keep your end of the bargain.”
“Fine. I need to know one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“Did you have anything to do with Charlotte’s accident? If you did, consider this deal annulled and prepare yourself for my wrath. I don’t care if you’re our father’s favorite son. I will destroy you and everybody who stands in my way—even your mother. Mark my words, Jeremy.”
A hearty laugh followed. “My, my, big brother. I haven’t seen you so fiery for a long time. I had nothing to do with the accident, but I’m an opportunist. When I heard what happened to Charlotte, I knew I had to do it. You can’t blame me for exploiting this rare opportunity. I’ve always known that a woman would be your downfall.”
Daniel gritted his teeth. He suppressed the urge to rend his brother’s face with his sharp claws. “I’ll be there in an hour.”
He disconnected and turned to the psychiatrist.
“I don’t mean to pry—” began Dr. Greene.
“Do not trouble yourself with my problems, Doctor. Everything is under control.”
