Chapter 6 - Michael Walked Back Into My Life
The next morning, I considered leaving for real.
Not because Richard frightened me.
Because Michael was suddenly inside the mystery.
For twelve years, I had believed I understood the man I married.
Then I discovered one affair.
Now I wondered what else had been happening while I cooked his dinners and ironed his shirts.
Richard waited until breakfast was finished.
“You don’t have to stay.”
“I know.”
“You didn’t sign up for this.”
“I know.”
“You keep saying that.”
“Because you keep telling me things I already understand.”
That earned another faint smile.
I folded my arms.
“Why would Vitalis Health be connected to you?”
Richard’s expression became serious.
“My companies purchase medical equipment.”
“What kind?”
“Rehabilitation devices.”
My heart sank.
“From Vitalis?”
“Among others.”
Richard explained that one of his legitimate companies owned long-term rehabilitation centers across Illinois and Wisconsin.
Before his accident, he had been considering a major Vitalis contract.
The equipment involved advanced motor-assistance systems designed for patients recovering from neurological injuries.
“What happened to the deal?”
“I rejected it.”
“Why?”
“The test results looked too perfect.”
“What do you mean?”
“I suspected they had altered performance data.”
I stared at him.
“Did you tell Vitalis?”
“I told their regional director that I wanted an independent review.”
“When?”
“Two weeks before my crash.”
A horrible possibility formed.
“Was Michael involved?”
“I don’t know.”
Before Richard could say more, someone knocked.
Ethan entered.
He was smiling.
“Good news.”
Neither of us answered.
“I arranged a new mobility evaluation.”
Richard’s eyes flicked toward me.
“With who?”
I asked.
“A representative from Vitalis.”
My blood turned cold.
Ethan glanced at his watch.
“He should be here now.”
Footsteps approached.
I knew the rhythm before the man appeared.
Michael stepped into the room wearing a charcoal suit.
He stopped.
Every trace of color vanished from his face.
“Maya?”
I stared at him.
Ethan looked between us.
“You two know each other?”
Michael recovered first.
“She’s my wife.”
“Ex-wife.”
I corrected.
His jaw tightened.
Ethan laughed awkwardly.
“Small world.”
No.
Not small.
Not anymore.
Michael moved closer.
“What are you doing here?”
“My job.”
“You’re a caregiver now?”
“I was trained years ago.”
“I know, but—”
“But what?”
He stopped.
Richard watched us with intense interest.
Ethan clapped Michael on the shoulder.
“Michael is one of Vitalis’s best regional executives.”
Michael looked uncomfortable.
“I handle strategic accounts.”
I almost laughed.
During our marriage, he had always described himself as a senior sales manager.
Maybe it had sounded more harmless.
Richard spoke weakly.
“I remember Mr. Carter.”
Michael turned.
“We met briefly before your accident.”
“Did we?”
Michael hesitated.
Richard smiled faintly.
“My memory has been unreliable.”
Ethan stepped in quickly.
“Which is exactly why we’re trying new rehabilitation options.”
Michael opened a leather case.
Inside was a compact electronic stimulation device.
I recognized the technology.
“Has his neurologist approved this?”
I asked.
Michael did not look at me.
“We’re performing an evaluation, not treatment.”
“Then I want the written order.”
Ethan’s irritation showed.
“Maya.”
“No order, no device.”
Michael stared at me.
That old look appeared in his eyes.
The one that used to mean I was embarrassing him.
Years ago, I would have lowered my voice.
I would have apologized.
Not anymore.
“I said no.”
Richard’s mouth almost curved into a smile.
Michael closed the case.
“Fine.”
Ethan looked furious.
“I’ll get the authorization.”
When he walked out, Michael stayed behind.
He waited until Ethan was gone.
Then he leaned toward me.
“You need to quit.”
I looked into the face I had once loved.
“Why?”
May you like
His voice dropped.
“Because you have absolutely no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”
