A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 58

Chapter 58

If there were only one case, it could be distnissèd as a coincidence. But with two cases on the same day, it was likely no accident at all. It was the inevitable result of problems that had been building up for a long time.

After speaking with the families of the deceased patients and learning about the victims’ backgrounds, especially their work histories, Joseph combined the information with his medical analysis and compiled a full report. He discussed it with Travis before they went together to see Walt.

After reading the report, Walt fell silent. Then, he sent Travis away, making sure the office door was shut before speaking to Joseph.

“You conclude that chemical exposure caused chronic poisoning. I trust your judgment, but do you know who owns Nonagon Chemical, the company mentioned in your report?”

Joseph shook his head. “I don’t.”

Walt sighed. “It belongs to the Lowell family. The chairman of Nonagon Chemical, Jackson Lowell, is Cora’s cousin. He’s an in- law of yours.”

Joseph frowned. “Cora’s cousin? How do you know so much about it?”

Walt said, “One of my relatives graduated this year and works there in accounting.”

Joseph replied, “And what are you trying to say?”

Walt said softly, “Maybe the truth isn’t exactly what you think it is. Even if your report is correct, we can notify the company privately first and have them fix the problems internally. They can compensate the employees-”

Joseph cut him off. “We should just expose this. This chemical plant has already been around for many years. Who knows how many workers have been poisoned? Once the illness fully breaks out, they might not even have a chance to be saved.

“Some people may have already died without ever knowing the real cause. Now that our hospital has discovered the signs, we’ll also have to bear the responsibility if we hide and say nothing/Dr Loughlin, we can’t afford to carry that burden.”

Walt sighed. “If Cora finds out, she’ll make it very hard for you.!’

Joseph shrugged. “On a personal level, she and I were already going to get divorced anyway. To others, this might be the worst outcome, but to me, it’s the best one. And professionally, as an entrepreneur, she has responsibilities toward society.”

Fiona replied helplessly, “Joseph, you’re obsessed with divorce at this point. You should know that if Cora really wanted to livorce you, she would’ve signed the papers long ago. I’ll make it clear to you again. Córa loves you very much. She’ll never divorce you.”

Joseph stared at her and sighed. “You don’t know what she’s done to ine, so of course you’ll take her side. Fine then. Go book a hotel room first, and I’ll come after work. Or we could go to your place instead.”

Fiona rolled her eyes. “Screw you! I treat you like an older brother, yet all you think about is sleeping with me. What’s wrong with you? Forget it. Let’s talk business.”

Fiona’s expression turned serious. “Cora asked me to tell you to stop digging into the Nonagon Chemical case. She already irranged for you to attend a prestigious medical forum. You’ll receive an award if you go, too. Just go lie low for a while.”

Joseph scoffed. “And if I refuse?”

Fiona replied, “Then Cora will be very angry, and the consequences will be dire.”