Chapter 34: Are you suggesting...
~Central Hospital ~
Several minutes after Bob left the hospital ward, Aaron arrived, his footsteps brisk and hurried. The elevator took longer than expected to arrive, and when it finally arrived, he stepped in and hastily shut the door, eliciting complaints from those waiting. He barely acknowledged them—his mind was elsewhere.
Reaching the corridor leading to Desmond’s ward, he took a deep breath to gather his composure before he pushed the door open.
Inside the ward, Desmond lay on the hospital bed his gaze on the blank canvas of the ceiling, looking visibly drained. His face was pale, tiny beads of sweat clinging to his forehead. His hand clutched his abdomen tightly, and his usually sharp eyes was dull. An IV drip was attached to his hand to provide him with much-needed fluids, but it was clear he isn’t close to recovery.
"Dad", he called tentatively as he pulled a chair closer and sat down, he gazed at Desmond briefly while assessing his condition. "How are you feeling now?" His voice was calm, but tinged with concern lingering beneath his usual arrogant tone.
Desmond scoffed, his lips curling in displeasure. "Painful," he muttered as he shifted slightly to face him. "The doctor said it was an acute gastritis. A bleeding ulcer sent me to the emergency room isn’t it ridiculous?." He winced, his fingers tightening over his stomach.
Aaron’s brow furrowed, his tone inquisitive. "Did you have any symptoms before this?"
Desmond sighed lightly. "I ignored them because I assumed that it was just indigestion. But now it seems that damn alcohol..." His voice trailed off, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. He wasn’t a lightweight when it came to drinking and can be able to handle his liquor should there be any emergency. But last night, was a different case and it all changed after Jessica gave him some drinks.
Aaron narrowed his eyes. "Dad, do you think someone tampered with your drink?"
Desmond’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but... Jessica, Jessica. She might not be as innocent as she appears."
Aaron’s expression darkened slightly. "Are you suggesting—"