Single mother gambled her final $900 on a deserted house. The discovery inside transforms her life forever…

That’s where you’re wrong. The man’s voice hardened. Without Radcliffe’s resources, your little discovery will never help anyone.

We own the regulatory pathway. We own the distribution channels. Without us, you’re just a woman playing with plants in the woods.

I’ve already sent documentation to colleagues. If anything happens to me, nothing will happen to you if you cooperate. But things could become difficult if you continue this obstruction.

Very difficult indeed. Are you threatening me, Mr. Patton? I’m offering you one last opportunity to be reasonable. Two million dollars for your research.

Final offer. Not interested? Then you’ll regret it. Everyone has weaknesses, Dr. Mercer.

Everyone has something to lose. The recording ended. Maya sat in stunned silence, the cassette player still in her hands.

She had just heard Richard Patton threatening Josephine Mercer, days before her disappearance. It wasn’t just circumstantial evidence anymore. It was motive, captured in Patton’s own voice.

The next morning, Maya called Dr. Chen with an update on the situation. They’re moving fast, doctor, Chen said sounding worried. If they’re offering that much money, they’re desperate to get Josephine’s research before you understand its full value.

Which is what exactly? Based on my preliminary analysis of the formulas you showed me, we’re talking billions. A patent on an effective Carther’s syndrome treatment would be worth at least five dollars minus ten billion over its lifetime. Possibly much more.

Maya felt dizzy at the number. What should I do? I’ve spoken with a colleague who specializes in pharmaceutical patents. She’s willing to meet with you, and I think we should consider bringing this to the FBI.

If your recording proves Richard Patton threatened Josephine before her disappearance, that’s evidence in a potential murder investigation. Before Maya could respond, she heard Ethan calling urgently from outside. Mom, something’s wrong with the water.

Maya rushed outside to find Ethan at the trailer’s small sink, which was running brown, foul-smelling water. It was fine earlier, Ethan said. Then it suddenly changed.

Sam examined the trailer’s water connection, which ran to a well on the property. Someone’s tampered with the well, he concluded grimly. This didn’t happen naturally.

They found the well cap had been removed and quickly discovered evidence that someone had poured something into their water supply. An empty container of industrial chemicals lay partially hidden in nearby bushes. We need to report this to the police, Maya insisted.

We will, Sam agreed, but don’t expect much help. He was right. The local sheriff listened to their report with obvious skepticism.

Probably just kids playing pranks, he suggested. No evidence anyone specific did this, but we’ll look into it. His casual dismissal reminded Maya of how Josephine’s disappearance had been handled, with minimal concern or effort.

Later that day, Maya received a call from an unlisted number. Miss Coleman, this is Richard Patton Jr. I understand you’ve turned down our generous offer for your property. Maya’s heart raced, but she kept her voice steady.

That’s right. The house isn’t for sale. I think you misunderstand the situation.

We’re not just interested in the house. We’re interested in everything associated with it, including certain research materials you may have found. I don’t know what you’re talking about, Maya lied.

Let’s not play games. My father spent decades ensuring that Dr. Mercer’s work remained buried. I’m prepared to be far more generous than he was.

One million dollars, Miss Coleman, for the house and all its contents. No questions asked. Maya’s mind reeled at the amount, enough money to secure her and Ethan’s future forever.

But she thought of Josephine, who had refused an offer twice as large because she believed in something more important than money. The answer is still no, Maya said firmly. There was a long pause.

I admire your conviction, Miss Coleman, but I wonder if you’ve considered your son’s well-being in this equation. Ethan, isn’t it? With his asthma? Living in a remote area, far from medical care, accidents happen. Ice flooded Maya’s veins.

Are you threatening my child? I’m simply pointing out that choices have consequences, some more immediate than others. Think carefully about what matters most to you. The call ended, leaving Maya shaking with rage and fear.

This had escalated beyond property disputes and research theft. They were threatening Ethan. When Sam arrived later, Maya told him about the call.

His face darkened with anger. We need to protect Ethan, he said immediately. Lily too, they know she’s been here…