«Tell my husband and mother-in-law that I died…

A steady beeping, heaviness in her limbs, pain throbbing in her temples. Emma opened her eyes to a white ceiling with fluorescent lights. Her thoughts were muddled, her throat tight. «Where am I?» «What happened?»
«She’s awake,» someone said nearby.
«Hello, I’m Dr. Andrew Peters,» said a grey-haired man in his fifties, wearing a white coat. His eyes behind glasses were kind and concerned.
«How—» Emma’s voice scratched her throat.
«You were brought in by ambulance with severe poisoning,» Dr. Peters explained. «A neighbour heard a commotion and called for help. You were unconscious for nearly 24 hours.»

Memory hit like a jagged bolt. The bitter tea, the spinning room, Margaret’s smile, James’s gaze. «It’ll be over soon.» They tried to kill her. Her husband and his mother tried to poison her.
«My husband,» Emma whispered.
«He came with his mother,» Dr. Peters nodded. «Asked about your condition. I told them it was critical.»

Emma clutched the doctor’s sleeve. «They… they put something in the tea. I saw. I heard. ‘It’ll be over soon.’ They’ve been after my flat, my money.»

Dr. Peters met her gaze without doubt. «This isn’t my first case like this,» he said quietly. «I noticed their odd behaviour. Relatives usually worry, but your husband only asked when he could collect documents if… things went badly.»

Cold dread gripped Emma, but so did fury. One thought pulsed: don’t let them win.
«Doctor,» she gripped his hand, summoning her strength. «Tell them I died. Please. It’s my only chance.»

Dr. Peters studied her for long seconds. «What you’re asking breaks many rules,» he said slowly.
«They tried to kill me,» Emma whispered desperately. «They won’t stop.»

He removed his glasses and rubbed his brow wearily. «I have a friend in the police, Captain Morris. Give me some time.»

Two hours later, a man in plain clothes entered—fit, with a military bearing and sharp eyes. «Captain Morris, Serious Crimes Unit,» he introduced himself. «Andrew told me everything. We need your statement.»

Despite her weakness, Emma recounted the story in detail, from James’s attempts to control her accounts to the poisoned tea. Morris took notes, asking clarifying questions.
«Any family left?» he asked when she finished.
«My parents died five years ago. I have a cousin in Canada, but we haven’t spoken in years.»
«Good. No one to raise questions,» Morris nodded. «Here’s the plan: we announce your death, move you to a secure ward under a new name, gather evidence, monitor your husband and his mother, and document their actions.»
«They won’t want the body,» Emma said softly. «Just the documents.»
«Makes our job easier,» Morris agreed. «Dr. Peters will inform them of your death. You’ll be under protection.»

James and Margaret arrived at the hospital 30 minutes after the call. Emma watched them via a monitor from an adjacent room. Dr. Peters met them in the corridor.
«I’m so sorry,» he said, eyes downcast. «We did everything we could, but the toxic damage was too severe. Her heart failed. Emma Jane passed at 4:42 PM.»..