Hubby made me a cup of coffee which had a very strange smell.…

I’d like to know if they match what you found in Nina’s system today. The doctor’s eyes narrowed. We’ll need to run some tests to compare.

Security will make sure your husband remains available for questioning. Two security guards appeared, positioning themselves on either side of James. He looked trapped, his carefully constructed facade crumbling.

Nina and I… he stammered. We were just trying to help you slow down. You were working too hard, taking all the big clients.

Nina said if we could just make you take some time off. By poisoning me? My voice was steady, even as my hands shook with rage. How long have you been doing this? Was it you who tampered with my food at the Christmas party, too? James’ silence was all the answer I needed.

Behind him, I could see Nina’s room, where she lay connected to various monitors. Her earlier bravado was gone, replaced by the fear of someone who knew their schemes had finally caught up with them. Detective Mendoza is on her way, Dr. Phillips said quietly.

She’ll want to take statements from everyone involved. I nodded, feeling a strange sense of calm. The truth was finally coming out, and there was no going back.

Detective Mendoza arrived within the hour, her presence commanding attention in the sterile hospital corridor. She was a seasoned investigator who specialized in domestic abuse cases, and she listened intently as I played the recording from brunch and showed her the text messages. Mrs. Bennett, she said, reviewing her notes, you mentioned previous hospitalizations.

Can you tell me more about those incidents? I pulled out my phone again, opening a document I’d been quietly maintaining for months. The first time was in February after a dinner at Nina’s house. I had severe stomach pains and dizziness.

The second was in April, the tea incident, and then in June after breakfast with them. My voice remained steady as I continued. Each time, the symptoms were similar but just different enough that the doctors couldn’t pinpoint a cause.

The detective’s eyes narrowed as she looked at my detailed log of dates, symptoms, and circumstances. And you’ve been keeping records? Ever since I noticed the pattern. I hesitated before pulling out another phone from my purse.

I also started carrying a backup phone with a different number. I used it to record conversations when I was around them. I have several where Nina and James discuss their plans, though they’re careful not to be explicit.

In one of the recordings, Nina’s voice came through clearly. The Henderson account is worth millions, James. We can’t let her ruin everything we’ve worked for.

Just stick to the plan. A few days of illness should be enough. James’ response was equally damning.

I’ve got something stronger this time. She won’t make it to the presentation. Detective Mendoza’s expression hardened as she listened.

Through the window of Nina’s room, I could see my sister-in-law was now awake, looking significantly less confident than she had at brunch. The hospital is running toxicology screens, the detective informed me. Dr. Phillips has already identified several substances that don’t occur naturally…