Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 39

All the officers on the case were Chester's former colleagues from his days with the detective squad—dedicated people he trusted completely.

"I'll let you know as soon as we've identified the substance, Chester. But listen… that case four years ago, it already cost you your position and got you transferred. Don't go crossing any more of the city's big shots. I heard about this young woman, and I know the Holloway and Lawson families are involved. Do yourself a favor and keep your head down, alright?" His colleague's warning was quiet but firm as he headed off.

—

Just after noon, the police called. The substance in the syringe was sodium cyanide—a deadly chemical under strict government control. Just a tenth of a gram was enough to kill.

Chester hung up the phone, his face pale with shock as he turned to Alicia.

Who would take such a risk, just to kill an orphan?

Alicia was already at the very bottom of society, someone with no power, no protection—an easy target, really. She wasn't a threat to anyone. Why would someone go to these lengths to see her dead?

"Alicia… are you sure you don't have any enemies? You don't have anything on the Lawsons or the Holloways—no secrets worth killing for?" Chester probed carefully.

Alicia shook her head.

"It was sodium cyanide," Chester whispered.

Alicia's face went white with terror.

Sodium cyanide… the same chemical used in euthanasia.

Who could possibly hate her enough to orchestrate something like this?

"The police will get to the bottom of this. But you have to keep yourself safe. If anything happens, call me right away—promise me," Chester insisted.

Alicia nodded numbly, but none of it made sense.

Would Vincent really want her dead? That seemed impossible…

Then who?

After Chester left, Alicia just sat on the edge of her hospital bed, lost in thought.