My stomach dropped.
After tucking Liam into bed that night, I asked Clara to step into the kitchen. Daisy sat beside me, watchful, as if she understood the seriousness of the moment.
“Clara,” I began, keeping my voice steady, “I found something strange in Liam’s food tonight. Do you know anything about this?”
She looked at me, her smile faltering for the first time. “Oh—it must have been a mistake. I sometimes carry my medication in my pocket. Maybe it fell in by accident.”
Her explanation was quick, but my instincts told me something was off.
“What medication is it?” I pressed.
She hesitated. “Just something for my blood pressure.”
But I’d seen enough to know she wasn’t telling me the full truth. I didn’t accuse her outright—not yet. Instead, I thanked her, told her I wouldn’t need her help anymore, and walked her to the door.
When it closed behind her, I leaned against it, shaking.
