The Master They Underestimated

Chapter 5

“Doctor, we've tried everything. We're losing him.”

 The nurse's words sent a chill through the hallway.

 Nathaniel Grant stared at her, momentarily unable to respond. Behind the emergency room doors, the monitors continued to sound, each alarm reminding everyone that Arthur Rhodes was running out of time.

 Vanessa's face drained of color. She had watched doctors rush in and out, listened to promises that her grandfather would be fine, and tried to hold on to the belief that Jayrodale General Hospital could save him. Now, even the senior doctors seemed to be running out of answers.

 “Then get someone who can help him!” she snapped. “I don't care who you have to call. Just don't stand here and tell me there's nothing else you can do!”

 Before Nathaniel could answer, a senior physician hurried toward them.

 “Dr. Grant, we need to consider another option. Dr. Damon Cahallan might be able to identify what's causing this.”

 Julian Mercer immediately frowned. “Dr. Cahallan? He's a resident. How is bringing him here going to change anything?”

 Vanessa turned on him. “Your team has already tried everything, haven't you? Unless you have a better solution, I suggest you stop questioning the people who might actually save my grandfather.”

 Julian's mouth tightened, but he said nothing.

 Nathaniel hesitated. He wasn't pleased at the thought of handing the case to a younger doctor, especially one whose abilities had already become a source of tension among the hospital's senior staff. But Arthur's condition was deteriorating by the minute, and pride wouldn't keep the man alive.

 “Go and get him,” he ordered.

 The senior physician hurried away.

 ---

 Damon Cahallan was reviewing a patient's chart at the central station when a nurse approached him in a rush.

 “Dr. Cahallan, you're urgently needed in the resuscitation room. Mr. Rhodes is critical, and the team hasn't been able to stabilize him.”

 Damon closed the file. “How long has his condition been deteriorating?”

 “Since he arrived, Doctor. His blood pressure keeps falling, and his heart rhythm is becoming increasingly unstable.”

 “And what treatment has he received?”

 The nurse quickly listed the medications administered so far. Damon listened without interrupting, then picked up his coat.

 “Get the complete medication history and laboratory results ready for me.”

 He headed toward the resuscitation room, his expression composed. He had no intention of wasting time arguing with anyone. First, he needed to understand what was happening to the patient.

 Inside, Vanessa stood beside her grandfather's bed, watching as the medical team worked to keep his condition from worsening. Nathaniel was discussing the latest readings with Julian when Damon entered.

 “Dr. Cahallan,” Nathaniel said, turning toward him. “Thank you for coming. The patient's condition is deteriorating despite our efforts.”

 Damon glanced at the monitors before approaching the bed. “What symptoms did he present with when he arrived?”

 Nathaniel began explaining, but Damon raised a hand.

 “I'll review the records myself. Please make sure nobody leaves out any medication he's received since admission.”

 He checked Arthur's pulse, examined his pupils, and listened to his breathing. Then he studied the monitor readings and the patient's latest laboratory results.

 Julian folded his arms. “You've barely been here for two minutes. You can't possibly understand the case already.”

 Damon ignored the remark and continued his examination. When he pressed a particular area of Arthur's abdomen, the old man's body gave a faint involuntary response.

 Damon's attention sharpened.

 “Bring me the ultrasound machine.”

 A nurse hurried to comply.

 Nathaniel stepped closer. “What are you looking for?”

 “An explanation for why his condition keeps worsening despite the treatment.” Damon straightened. “Until I understand what's happening, I don't want anyone administering another medication without checking with me first.”

 Nathaniel's expression tightened at the instruction, but he held his tongue. Arthur's condition left little room for arguments over authority.

 Vanessa approached the bed. “Dr. Cahallan, I need you to understand something. That's my grandfather. Whatever you need, I'll provide it. Just save him.”

 Damon looked at her briefly. “Then answer a few questions for me. Does he have any known allergies, and what was he doing before he collapsed?”

 Vanessa took a breath, forcing herself to concentrate. “He was attending a business meeting. Several people were there, but I don't know exactly what happened before he fell ill.”

 “Did he eat or drink anything unusual?”

 “I can't say for certain.”

 Damon returned his attention to the chart. He reviewed the medication list, compared the laboratory results, and studied the pattern of Arthur's symptoms. Something wasn't adding up.

 The ultrasound machine arrived, and he began examining Arthur's abdomen. After a few moments, he stopped moving the probe and stared at the screen.

 His expression grew serious.

 “Dr. Grant, I need the full details of everything he received before arriving at this hospital. Not just the medication administered here. Everything.”

 Nathaniel frowned. “Why? What do you suspect?”

 Damon turned toward Vanessa.

 “Miss Rhodes, you said several people were present at the meeting. I need you to find out who had access to your grandfather's food and drinks before he collapsed.”

 Vanessa's eyes widened. “Are you saying someone did something to him?”

 Damon glanced at Arthur, whose condition remained critical.

 “I can't confirm it yet,” he replied. “But his symptoms are raising a serious concern.”

 He paused, then met her gaze.

 “Your grandfather may have been poisoned.”