Chapter 289

– Malicious Doctor

“Guys, I was the one who called the police. I was also the one who accidentally dropped the phone into the water. As for the rope… we treated a dog today. We were worried it might bite our medical staff, so we tied it up before administering anesthesia. Once the anesthesia took effect, we untied the rope,” Michael explained.

When Melody heard Michael’s words, she heaved a sigh of relief. She had been betting that the Michael Quentin mentioned was the same one standing before her. Like Jennie, Michael was a poison doctor, a profession that had long been severely punished by Halcyon.

Malicious doctors could easily take lives, and years ago, there had been a large-scale case involving many innocent people being tortured and killed by them. As a result, Malicious doctors were considered more terrifying than many criminals and faced severe penalties, often at least 20 years in prison.

Melody wasn’t sure if the Michael Quentin mentioned was the same one, but she had a backup plan to ensure she could escape from the police if she was wrong. Fortunately, her gamble paid off.

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” the leading police officer asked, not noticing Melody’s relieved expression. Since you were the one who called the police, tell me what happened. Who caused trouble in the clinic and occupied your operating room?”

Michael subconsciously glanced at Melody. He desperately wanted to tell the truth, but her calm demeanor gave him pause. Could she have evidence that he was a Malicious doctor? The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Clenching his teeth, Michael said, “It’s all a misunderstanding. I thought someone unauthorized was using the operating room, but later discovered it was the lady boss of our medical center who had given permission. I’m really sorry. I intended to make another call, but I accidentally dropped my phone into the water. Given the urgency of the surgery, I forgot to follow up. I’m willing to bear all the responsibility.”

The police officer’s frown deepened. However, since the person who called the police had already reassured them, and there were no irregularities at the scene, there wasn’t much more to say. “Please come back to the police station with us to verify the situation and provide a statement,” the officer said.

“Of course. I’ll go with you now.” Michael nodded repeatedly to show his cooperation.

Within moments, Michael was taken away in the police car. As the police car drove away, David couldn’t contain his curiosity. “Miss Fox, what’s going on? What did you say to Dr. Hudson back there? He looked like he wanted to tear you apart earlier. Why did he suddenly cover for us?” Melody did not answer immediately. It was better for David, who wore his heart on his sleeve, not to know that she had threatened Michael with revealing his secret as a Malicious doctor. “You don’t need to know that. My dog’s condition is still unstable. Please help me take a look at him.”

David recognized Melody’s dismissive tone and wisely refrained from pressing further. He hurried to check on Lucky, leaving Melody and Beverly alone in the corridor. Beverly broke the silence first. “Melody, I can’t understand why Michael acted that way. He used to be so friendly and always had a smile for everyone. Is there some misunderstanding between you two?”

Melody sighed and said, “Beverly, there’s a type of person known as a ‘smiling tiger: Michael is one of them. I strongly suggest you find another doctor. Michael is dangerous. It won’t do you any good to keep him around.”

Beverly was taken aback. “What? That can’t be true. He’s been with our clinic for over ten years…”

“I know him. He used to…” Melody hesitated. The matter involved Quentin, and although Beverly was aware of the situation, it was better if fewer people knew.

Melody remained silent for a moment before saying,”

Forget it. You might not understand. I’ll explain everything to Colin when he returns.”

Although Michael was currently treating patients, Melody knew that his past as a poison doctor could resurface if Halcyon relaxed its vigilance. Michael might revert to his old ways. Moreover, if this information spread, Herbathrive, being such a small clinic, would undoubtedly suffer. Lacking the means to protect Herbathrive herself, Melody understood the urgency of removing Michael. However, Colin had the final say, so they could only wait for his return. Seeing Melody’s serious expression, Beverly nodded. “I don’t know much about medicine but don’t worry. I’ll make sure Michael has as little work as possible until Colin gets back. Even though I could dismiss him now, he’s been with our medical center for so long. Many of our staff were trained by him. I’m concerned that his departure could lead to others leaving too. It’s better to wait for Colin. You two can discuss it in detail. In the meantime, I’ll start posting the recruitment online.”

“Thank you, Beverly. I have some other things to take care of Please look after my dog,” Melody said, her eyes filled with gratitude.

“You’re treating me like a stranger. I love dogs too. I’ve even thought about getting one myself. I’ll take good care of Lucky. Don’t worry, just go,” Beverly replied with a reassuring smile.

Melody nodded and walked out of Herbathrive.

Instead of hailing a taxi immediately, she turned into a quiet, empty alley. “Everyone, come out,” she called softly. Within seconds, several shadows emerged from the alley’s entrance. They swiftly approached Melody, stopping in front of her.

“Miss Fox,” they greeted her respectfully.

Melody nodded slightly, her expression cold as she surveyed the group in front of her. These bodyguards had been arranged by Ken to protect her. She didn’t hold back her commanding presence, her gaze sweeping over them with intensity.

It wasn’t until the bodyguards instinctively lowered their heads that she spoke, her voice icy. “I went to the clinic today. Was anyone secretly following me?”

“No!” The bodyguards answered in unison.

“Okay, then tell me. Why did the police come back after they left?” Melody asked.

One of the bodyguards dared to lift his head. “We don’t know either. I was concerned for your safety, so I contacted Miss Murphy. She said she would handle the situation, but for some reason, the police returned.”

“Janet Murphy?” Melody’s eyes narrowed.

“Yes,” The bodyguard replied. “Mr. Swanson said that Mr. Deeds won’t be around for the next few days. He’s also very busy. He told me to contact Miss Murphy first if you encounter any trouble.”

Relief flashed across Melody’s eyes as she finally understood why the police had returned – it was thanks to Janet’s “help.” Janet had not let her down.

Melody took a deep breath, trying to remain composed in front of the bodyguards. Their answers reassured her that they were doing this for her own good, not betraying her. Calming herself, she said, “Miss Murphy is also very busy with work. Don’t trouble her with such small matters in the future.”

“Yes, we understand,” they replied in unison.

Melody waved her hand. “All of you can leave.”

“Yes!” Within seconds, the bodyguards had vanished from sight.

Melody exited the alley and hailed a taxi. She pulled up Ander’s address on her phone and handed it to the driver.

“Mister, please take me to this address.”

“Alright, sit tight!” The driver responded.

At that time, Leo had just finished his morning meeting. He called Jessica. “Miss Summers, I’m done here. When are we leaving for the Morgan family?”

“Now, come to my office first. We’ll go over together,”

Jessica said.

“Okay,” Leo replied.