Madison had complimented her dress.
Then Lauren remembered something else.
Charles had introduced Madison that evening as a consultant he personally recruited.
Lauren straightened.
Madison whispered, “Ask who hired me.”
The nurse looked over.
“Ms. Vale, you need to rest.”
Madison grabbed Lauren’s wrist.
Despite everything, her grip was surprisingly strong.
“Ask him.”
Then Madison’s eyes closed.
Lauren stood frozen beside the bed.
At 7:03 a.m., hospital security opened Madison’s purse with her documented consent and Lauren present.
The card contained one sentence.
IF I WAKE UP, GIVE DR. LAUREN COLE THE BLACK ENVELOPE. IF I DON’T, GIVE IT TO THE POLICE.
The black envelope had been sewn into the purse lining.
Inside was a flash drive.
And a printed photograph.
Lauren recognized the photograph immediately.
It showed her silver Range Rover parked outside St. Catherine’s Hospital.
The picture had been taken eleven days earlier.
