Chapter 9 - THE FALL OF BELLEVUE
An hour later, Dr. Miller arrived from Saint Jude’s Infirmary along with three officers from the City Constabulary.
The chemical test took less than ten minutes.
Dr. Miller placed three drops of Solution No. 4 into a glass vial of nitric acid. The liquid turned a deep, violent violet-black—a clear, unquestionable reaction indicating lethal concentrations of Belladonna extract and heavy paralytic Bromides.
"This isn't medicine, Mr. Vale," Dr. Miller stated gravely, setting the vial down on the library desk. "Given in these quantities over six years, it is a slow-acting neurotoxin. It was designed to keep the child completely bedridden and mentally dull. It’s a miracle her liver and heart survived."
Adrian stood by the library window, staring out at the rain-soaked gardens. His face had returned to stone, but it was a stone filled with active, terrifying thunder.
"Take Dr. Vance into custody," Adrian commanded the police chief in a voice that sounded like grinding iron. "And issue arrest warrants for the entire executive board of Bellevue Pharmaceutical Syndicate."
"On what charge, sir?" the chief asked nervously.
"Attempted murder, long-term conspiracy, arson, and treason against my family," Adrian said softly. He turned around, his dark eyes sweeping over the room. "Tell the city prosecutor that if Bellevue Pharmaceuticals is not dismantled by sunset tomorrow, I will personally pull every shipping vessel, every trade line, and every grain supply from the city harbor."
The police chief paled, bowing quickly. "It... it will be done immediately, Mr. Vale!"
As Vance was dragged out of the mansion in handcuffs, screaming curses and weeping for mercy, Selene March slipped quietly toward the back kitchen doors, her face white with terror, holding her small bag of personal belongings.
"Selene," Mr. Hayes’s cold voice called out from the hallway.
Selene froze, turning around trembling. "Mr. Hayes... I... I didn't know! I was only following orders!"
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"Your employment at Blackwater House is terminated without reference," Hayes said flatly, pointing toward the heavy oak front doors. "Leave before the master decides to question you about your loyalty."
Selene didn't wait to be told twice. She grabbed her bag and fled into the pouring rain, her thin shoes splashing through the mud as Blackwater House closed its heavy doors behind her forever.
