Page 65 of Hidden Hero

“Agreed,” Elizabeth said. “But then I suppose detectives and medical examiners rarely meet under the best circumstances.”

Cora nodded her agreement. Getting down to business, she opened the file and pushed it gently toward them. She had the same reports opened on her laptop sitting on the table in front of her.

She reviewed the statement from Dr. Lyles, letting them know that he would be available for them to interview that day, too. “Dan Lyles is on duty now in the ER, but he’ll get off shift at four o’clock.”

“Based on the sister’s suspicions, you proceeded with an autopsy?” John said.

She nodded again and explained her reasons. “Dr. Lyles provided me with the patient’s medical history, which did not include any heart issues, and Mr. Parker saw his doctor regularly. The type of heart attack could have been from natural causes, and, in truth, Dr. Lyles admitted that if the sister had not voiced suspicions, he would have signed off on the death certificate as a heart attack.”

She held their gazes. “As the medical examiner, I determine whether an autopsy should be performed. I talked to the sister and had enough suspicion to make that call.” She choked out a laugh and shook her head. “Of course, his wife is furious and is threatening legal action. But that doesn’t bother me. I’m confident in my role.”

Both detectives nodded, their gazes moving over the report. “We will interview Dr. Lyles as soon as we can, and of course, Mr. Parker’s sister,” Elizabeth said, making notes on her report copy.

John held Cora’s gaze and said, “Will you give us a detailed summation of the findings, Dr. Wadsworth?”

Cora adjusted her glasses and gestured to the lab report in her hand. “Detective Sullivan, these results are significant. The toxicology screen shows markedly elevated levels of digoxin, a cardiac glycoside commonly found in foxglove plants. This substance directly affects the heart, and at these levels, it’s fatal.”

She pointed at a specific section of the report. “Take a look here. The blood analysis also shows severely elevated potassium levels, a condition known as hyperkalemia. This is a telltale sign of digoxin toxicity. When digoxin interferes with the sodium-potassium pump in the cardiac cells, it disrupts the balance of electrolytes, leading to dangerous irregularities in heart rhythms.”

Cora paused to let the information sink in, then continued. “The high potassium isn’t just a side effect—it’s a red flag. Combined with the presence of digoxin at these concentrations, it suggests deliberate administration rather than accidental exposure. This isn’t something that happens naturally or by chance.”

Elizabeth cocked her head to the side. “Foxglove? I seem to remember that plant as one suggested when I bought my condo. It was on the list of flowering plants that grow tall, I think.”

“Yes. It’s a common landscaping plant that can grow from two to five feet tall, making it perfect as a backdrop for other plants. Often found closer to the home.” Cora pushed her glasses up on her nose. “At least, that’s what I’ve seen. The blooming stalks are beautiful, often in purple, white, or pink. The leaves are fuzzy, also giving it a distinct appearance.”

“What part of it is toxic?” John asked.

“All parts,” she stated with emphasis. Seeing their raised eyebrows, she elucidated. “The flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds are highly toxic if ingested. It is not a plant that should be in a garden frequented by children or pets. And it is self-seeded.”

“Self-seeded?” John’s pen halted as he looked up.

“It can spread because the seeds drop or blow with the wind, and new plants grow. This makes it desirable for a low-maintenance option for a garden, but can lead to unintended spreading into areas outside the immediate garden.”

She leaned back, her tone more somber. “As for how it was administered, that’s still under investigation. Tea, food, or even medication laced with foxglove extract could have been ingested. If it wasn’t for the elevated digoxin levels, this might have been mistaken for a natural heart attack, especially since the symptoms—irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and cardiac arrest—closely mimic one.”

Cora tapped the report on the table, her expression resolute. “Considering digitalis metabolites were detected in the stomach and urine, I’d conclude the foxglove was ingested. This is no accident, Detectives. Someone intended for this to happen. Now we just need to find out who—and how.”

By the time the two detectives left the conference room, Cora felt a surge of excitement that always accompanied a successful autopsy when a crime had been committed. She knew her findings would help the deceased’s relatives find justice… at least the relatives who weren’t guilty.

Turning her attention to her next task, she grinned as she picked up the hospital’s internal phone and dialed the risk management office to inform them that she was right.

29

Jeremy and Pete sat in their vehicle outside Jed’s client’s home, waiting for him to return. “This could be him,” Jeremy said.

A mid-sized, older-model sedan drove slowly down the street and pulled into the driveway. A middle-aged man got out, and Jeremy noted that he matched the description of Jed. He walked around the back of the sedan, retrieved a walker from the trunk, and then moved to the passenger side, where he assisted an elderly lady out of the vehicle. He then proceeded to guide her carefully up the walk and helped her unlock her front door. He disappeared inside for almost ten minutes before re-emerging.

Jeremy and Pete alighted from their SUV and walked toward him. “Jed Harborrow?”

The man turned, and as his gaze landed on them in their intimidating DTF uniforms, his eyes widened, then he smiled widely. “Yes, I’m Jed. Can I help you?” He stood by his vehicle, a picture of calm confidence. There wasn’t even a flicker of hesitation as Jeremy and Pete approached, their badges clipped prominently to their belts. Jed waited, hands resting casually at his sides, his demeanor open and inviting.

Jeremy stopped just short of him, unclipping his badge and holding it forward. “I’m Detective Jeremy Pickett, and this is my partner, Detective Pete Bolton. We’d like to ask you a few questions about the elderly residents you drive around.”

Jed’s smile didn’t falter. “Of course, Detectives. My mother mentioned you might stop by.” He glanced over his shoulder toward the house, then back at them. “Since this isn’t my place, would you prefer I come to the station?”

The offer caught Jeremy off guard—suspects usually weren’t this accommodating. He exchanged a glance with Pete before nodding. “That works. It’s about a ten-minute drive. You can follow us.”

Jed’s smile widened. “Absolutely. Let me text my mother quickly so she knows I’ll be late for our lunch.”

---