After an unspecified amount of time, the housekeeper finished tidying up the room. Paul, completely exhausted, was assisted onto the bed to rest.
By the time Moses returned, two hours had already elapsed. Josie was crouching on the ground, using medicinal liquid to clean Dexter’s wounds. However, neither of them spoke, and they wore worried expressions.
Moses introduced, “Mr. Russell, Jeremy Yeatman from the drug rehabilitation center has arrived.”
Jeremy, a dignified middle-aged man in his forties or fifties, glanced at Dexter. “What’s the hurry? Your driver drives as if he’s piloting an airplane.”
Finally, Dexter lifted his gaze and spoke. “I apologize for the inconvenience, but there’s a patient at home who’s addicted to a certain drug. I would like you to diagnose what exactly the drug is.”
“Drugs?” Jeremy was quite taken aback.
The housekeeper led him to Paul’s room.
Approximately ten minutes later, Josie finished tending to Dexter’s wounds, and Jeremy also emerged. “It’s not the type of drug commonly found in nightclubs, but rather an anesthetic used in medicine to alleviate pain. If taken excessively, it can be addictive. He’s been taking it for about two years, hasn’t he?”
With a troubled expression, Josie replied, “Yes.”
“Taking this medication in the short term won’t cause any issues, but if consumed over a long period, it becomes difficult to stop. If I may ask, has the patient undergone any brain surgery?”
“He was once involved in a car accident, which left him in a coma for nearly four years.”
“No wonder. The medicine used to treat his condition had a similar medicinal property. It’s just that it was replaced with this kind of slow- acting poison that is highly toxic.”
Dexter asked, “Is it safe to discontinue his use of the drug?”
Jeremy replied, “It’ll be difficult as the drug has become an integral part of managing his condition. If his medication is discontinued, his illness will flare up.”
Josie closed her eyes, realizing the truth behind Arnold’s confidence.
Arnold had accurately targeted her vulnerable spot.
Dexter frowned. “So you’re saying it’s impossible?”
“He’s elderly. The drawbacks will outweigh the benefits,” replied Jeremy.
Dexter then changed the subject. “Where can one find this type of drug? Is there any alternative medication available?”
“This drug itself is illegal. If caught, one is sentenced for each granule. I truly don’t know who would have the audacity to possess it.”
Listening intently, Josie paced back and forth anxiously.
“The alternative medicine is too weak. It won’t have any effect on him.” After Jeremy finished speaking, he received no response, which left him quite puzzled. “Where is this man from, and how could he have been consuming this drug for two years?”
Dexter pursed his lips. “This matter is of great importance. I implore you not to spread what you have seen and heard, Mr. Yeatman.”
“Of course!”
After listening, Josie could no longer bear the anxiety. She walked straight up to Dexter, looked him in the eye, and pleaded, “I beg you.”
“Josie,” said Dexter.
“I beg you! I will complete the task as soon as possible and earn Arnold’s trust, but first, you must share some information with me. You said it yourself that you would let me be involved.” Josie pleaded urgently, almost like a child. “Please hurry, Dexter, I beg you, Paul can’t have another episode.”
“Josie!” Dexter tightly grasped her wrist with his injured hand, then pulled her into his embrace, soothing her softly, “Don’t panic, I’ll figure something out. I won’t let anything happen to your father. Trust me, all right?”
He gently caressed her head, soothing her restless emotions, and repeatedly reassured her that everything was fine and that things would improve.
The subtle aroma of tobacco emanating from him truly pacified Josie. She gently pushed Dexter aside. “Could you please do it a little faster?”
“Sure.”
