You see, Sophie comes from somewhat of a privileged background. Her father, James, was a medical researcher that worked at Montgomery Research Center, the top researched center in the country. For the two years they had developed some sort of miracle drug called Adacin. This drug was very powerful. It had the ability to cure almost everything to a simple migraine to certain forms of cancer like Leukemia. Her mother, Stacy, was one of the countries top defense attorneys. To put a long story short, the two were always constantly working and Sophie was usually left to fend for herself. When Maria laid eyes on her daughter coming down the stairs, she was a little bit surprised.
“Good Morning Sweetheart. What are you doing up so early?” her mother said while she was packing up her briefcase. “I'm going back to school today.”Sophie stated obviously as she grabbed a bagel from the counter. “Are you sure you're ready to go back? You could stay home for the rest of the week. We can ask one of your friends to bring your school to you again.” said Mrs. Johnson. “Mom, I'm fine. I have to face everyone at sometime.” Sophie snapped at her mother. “I'm sorry honey, I'm just concerned about you. I know losing a friend suddenly is devastating. I don't want you to rush into anything.” Mrs. Johnson defended as she began to throw her jacket on.
“I know mom and I'm sorry. I can handle this though.” said Sophie. “Well, let's look at it this way, Maria's death can be seen as motivation to get to consider medical school. Oh, look at the time! Sweetie, I've got to run. We'll Talk more after dinner.” And with that, Sophie's mother was gone in a flash. Sophie was surprised and disgusted at her mother's comment. How could she use her friend's death as a way to push a career that she didn't want on her? To her mother's dismay, Sophie wanted to be a writer instead of a doctor. Mrs. Johnson didn't see the point though. She often told Sophie that she wouldn't have a much of a future and would not go far if she became a writer. Her father had also wanted his daughter to follow in his footsteps, but still supported his daughter's dream as it was something that she wanted greatly and she was good at it.
Just as Sophie predicted, the school day was long and miserable. As predicted, she could hear whispers as soon as she walked by and saw all those sad looks from the teachers. Many of her teachers had stopped her after class to check on her, making her late to the next class. She appreciated their concern, but she didn't want to dwell on this subject. All Sophie wanted to do was to get on with her life.
Upon arriving home, Sophie noticed something was off. In the driveway of her house sat a 1999 black Honda accord. Sophie did not recognize the car. Most of her parent's friends and colleagues were able to afford the latest automobiles each year. Once inside the house, she could hear muffled voices coming from the living room. Sitting across from Sophie's father on the family's velvet couch, was some lady.
The lady looked to be in her mid to late thirties. Although she was young, she look so old and tired. The woman must have pulled many late nights and early mornings at her job Her brown hair was tied back into a bun, with little strands of hair hanging loose around her face. She had big red glasses over her emerald green eyes that darted back and forth between the pad of paper she was writing on and her father speaking.
“What's going on? Dad, who is this woman?” Sophie questioned as she stepped further into the living room, setting her pack back by the table. “Oh hi there sweetheart! We didn't see you there. Sophie, This detective Fisher. Detective, this is my daughter Sophie.” Mr. Johnson introduced. “So you're Sophie. I've been wanting to speak to you. May I ask your daughter a few questions?” the Detective questioned looking Dr. Johnson while shaking Sophie's hand. “I'm not so sure about that. My daughter is still grieving here. I'm sure she doesn't want to talk about it right now.” “Talk about what. Am I in some sort of trouble?” Sophie questioned starting to feeling a little nervous. “No sweetheart you're not into trouble. They just want to ask a few questions about Maria's death. But you don't have to answer them if you don't want to.” “No dad, it's okay. I'll answer the questions.” Sophie answered as she down next to the detective on the couch.
“This will only take a few minutes Miss Johnson. Dr. Johnson, you are more than welcomed to stay in the room while I interview you're daughter. Now Let's begin. First off, How close were you to Maria Martinez?” the detective asked, pen and paper in hand. “Maria and I were very close. She's been my best friend since the fourth grade.” Sophie answered with a sad smile. “And what would you say was your physical condition prior to her death?” the detective asked. “Maria was in great condition. My friend was a basketball player, the school's star athlete. She was always healthy and in great shape until her injury where she tore a ligament in her leg. But, the drug helped her with that. It helped heal her leg. She was better.” Sophie eyed the detective as she had jot down word for word what Sophie said. Suddenly something hit Sophie like a speeding bullet. “Do you think the drug had something to do with it. Did she maybe overdose or something?” “What makes you think that Miss Johnson?” the detective questioned, interested with this idea the child had came up with.
“It wasn't that long after she took the drug when she passes away. Plus, she was only seventeen. No seventeen year old girl dies from natural causes.” “That's a very smart observation there young lady. Unfortunately, we still have no evidence or real cause of you're friend's death or the other deaths.” “What do you mean others? Dad, what she she talking about?!” Sophie asked looking up at her father, bewilderment in her eyes. “Sadly honey, a few other people who have taken this medicine at one point have died. Now it doesn't mean that the drug killed them. Most of those people were older, had to go at some point. The drug helps make people better, not immortal.” Mr. Johnson stated, trying to keep his daughter calm. “You're father is right. We are not saying that the drug killed any of them. There is no proof of that.” Well, I think that is all for today, sir. Thank you for your cooperation. If I need any more information I'll call.” The detective stood up and shook Mr. Johnson's hand before he walked her to the door. Sophie was confused shocked. If the detective really did believe that the drug did not kill those people, why would she ask about it?
“I'm sorry about that sweetheart. I hope she didn't upset you.” “Why was she interviewing you dad? You're not the one responsible for their deaths. Like you said, the drug cures a lot, but not everything.” “Well I think she's just trying to do her job. She just wanted some information on the drug so they can rule that out as a possibility. Now, how about some dinner? You're mother will be home soon.” Dr. Johnson said, steering his daughter out of the room.
All that week, Sophie could not sleep a wink, and it was not just because of Maria's death. It turned out that the police still have some questions or doubts about the drug's possible involvement. Sophie didn't know the exact details for every time she walked into the room, they quit talking, or her mother would distract Sophie for something else. One thing she did know is that it must be getting serious. Tom Marx, a family friend and their attorney, had came over the night before. Mr. Marx was a nice man. He was quite tall and lean. He worked for the same law office as Sophie's mother. Kind of ironic isn't it; an attorney having her own attorney. Judging by the serious look on Mr. Marx's face as soon as he walked through the door to the muffled sound of voices coming from the den (Sophie swears she can hear her father shouting at times), it wasn't for a social call.
The thing that scared Sophie the most, however, was the fact that they could find evidence that said the drug killed those people. Would her father be held accountable? One, he was not the only one who worked on creating that drug. There were two other doctors that took part in it's development as well. Where they being questioned and suspected as much as her father was? Could her father go to jail for this? It wasn't like her father intended to hurt someone with this drug. He wanted help them.
During the next few weeks, things seem to die down. At least, that's what Sophie thought. Sophie's life seem to be falling back into some sort of routine. Kids and teachers finally stopped gossiping. She was able to eat and sleep right again. Even coping with Maria's death was becoming a little easier. One night, after two hours of trying to get to sleep, Sophie decided to head downstairs for a midnight snack. As she stumbled outside her bedroom door and made her way quietly down the hallway, she heard something that had startled her. “I don't understand why they think that you or any of this is involved in these people's deaths. You're no criminal! You're a doctor, a pillar of this community. Many people love you and trust you.” Mrs. Johnson said, as she sat down on the bed. “Well they don't believe a word I say! They are looking through all my files, our financial records, and all my research. They are talking about bringing charges against me. Do you know how much damage this could do to my reputation?! ” Dr. Johnson said all worked up. “Dear calm down. Look,Tomorrow we will figure out at the meeting. Now, let's get some sleep.” With that, the two fell asleep.
Sophie stood outside her parent's bedroom door, frozen in shock. It took her a few minutes for you to wake up from her shocked induced state and she quickly returned to her room. So, it seemed that her worst fears were coming true. There was a great possibility that her father was going to jail for years. How would her and her mother cope with that? How would her dad cope in jail? He could miss everything; his daughter's graduation, her wedding day, maybe even not see his grandchildren. Maybe the detective just need a little convincing. 'Yeah that's it' Sophie thought. I'll go down to the police station tomorrow before school and talk to detective Fisher. If I could see that she is looking at the wrong person, then she'll leave us alone. If there was any real foul play, they can look for the real person responsible.
The next morning, Sophie got up early. She needed to get to the police before first period started. Heading down the stairs, she was startled by a voice. “Good morning honey! What are you doing up so early? You usually hit the snooze button on your alarm clock three times before you finally get up.” Mr. Johnson joked before taking a sip of coffee. “Uh, I have to get to the library before classes starts. I have a major exam coming up and I want to do well on it.” “Well that's nice. Don't work yourself too hard now dear. Although colleges love students who work hard like you do. You know, med school takes a look at those grades.” Mrs. Johnson said. Sophie just rolled her eyes at her mother's attempt to be subtle. “Well I'm off. Are you guys going to be late tonight?” “There's a chance we might be. Your father and I have a meeting with Tom and Henry. Just something business related though, nothing to worry about.” Mrs. Johnson said before Sophie walked out the door.
Now Sophie hated lying to her father. Even though she was going to do this to help her father, she knew her parents would disapprove getting involved with all of this drama. As she drove to the police station, her mind drifted of to memories of her and Maria. She remembered the day met Maria. Sophie was eating her lunch outside on a picnic table when Tommy Lovet came and stole her cupcake. As Sophie chased Tommy around the picnic tables, they were stopped by a young, brown haired girl. The girl took the cupcake and pushed Tommy down before giving the cupcake back to Sophie. The girl introduced herself as Maria, and the two became friends ever since. Maria always was Sophie's protector.
Snapping out of her daze, Sophie realized she was close to the police station. The place was, well, not what Sophie was expected. The air inside was humid and musty. There was chaos as criminal struggled in the handcuffs, as policemen dragged them off to the cell. Telephones were constantly ringing, detectives running around in search of paper work. Sophie wondered how any work got done. After five minutes, she was able to finally track someone down and asked them where Detective Fisher was.
“Ms. Johnson?! What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” Detective Fisher asked, her surprised evident in her eyes. “I was hoping to talk to you. I wanted to know why you suspect my father is doing something illegal.” Sophie figured that there was no point in beating around the bush. “Well, I guess I've should have seen that one coming. Please, sit down. By the way, shouldn't you be in school right now?” “Well, yes, but I just want to know what's happening. My dad is practically being accused of murder and my best friend is dead. As you can imagine , I'm completely stressed out about this.” Sophie said. “I can imagine that this is all stressful for you. However, I cannot give you many details as the case is still pending. I do want to tell you though, we have interviewed other people as well. We are just trying to cover all of the bases before we make a decision on who or what caused all of this. I am only focusing on your father because he created the drug. In order for us to determine why these people die, we need to know all the ins and outs of this drug, which your father knows. However, I will say that his attitude has been far from pleasant recently.” Detective Fisher couldn't help but add to her statement.
Sophie had to admit, her father could be really defensive at times, especially when a person would question his research and the quality of this work. “There is something I would like to ask you. What do you think of Dr. Montgomery?” the detective questioned. Dr. Montgomery was the founder and CEO of Montgomery Research Center. He had a crown of white hair from one side of his head to another and his face was always red. If he wore all red, you almost could imagine him as Santa Clause. “Well, he's my dad's boss and mentor.” Sophie said. “I know, but what about his personal life. Did he even mention any family or anything along those lines?” Now that Sophie thought about it, she knew nothing about the guy. “Actually no, I've never heard anything about having a family. I think he was engaged once, but I wasn't even born at the time. He's nice, but he keeps to himself even more so lately.” Sophie said. “How so?” “Well every summer, the company has a picnic. Dr. Montgomery usually plans it and takes part in all the games and such. However, he didn't come this year. Everyone thought it was odd, but we just thought he could be tired or sick. Do you think he could be have something to do with all of this?”
“Well -” the detective started before there was a knock at the door. Detective Fisher excused herself for a minute. “I'm sorry, but something has come up. I need to leave. If you have any other information that you feel in necessary, please feel free to contact me. I've have to run now.” and with that, the Detective escorted Sophie out as she made her way to her car. Sophie watched as the detective drove off. Frustrated at the fact that she didn't get any real answers, Sophie decided to once again, take matters into her own hands.
Sophie snuck back into the police station unnoticeable. The entire station seemed to be under the same chaos as earlier. Quickly, and quietly, she snuck into Detective Fisher's office. There had to be something in their that was useful. Sophie found tons of file. There were files of financial statements of the Montgomery Research center, files of on the drug's use and ingredients, even files on her father's research. Due to her lack of knowledge about this whole situation, Sophie had no clue what to look for.
After an hour of looking through things, Sophie grew even more frustrated and tired. As she was cleaning her mess, Sophie noticed a strange pile of folders at the corner of the detective's desk. Sophie carefully picked one up and it read 'Roger Hansen'. Roger Hansen? The name didn't ring a bell. Sophie looked at the other folders. She came across several different names until she saw one that was most familiar: Maria Martinez. Sophie's heart stopped for a second. These were the names of all the people that had died from this drug! Carefully, Sophie began to open the folder slowly, in fear that she could get caught and in agony, not really sure if she ready to find out had her friend had died.
Before she could start reading however, she heard several footsteps coming towards her. Sophie quickly bent down and hid under the desk. The footsteps briefly stopped in font of the door before assuming in the opposite direction, seeing that the detective was still out. Sophie knew that it was no longer safe to be here. Quickly, she ran to the copy machine located in Detective Fisher's office and made copies of Maria's file. After that was done, Sophie quickly made sure that every file, folder and speck of dust was in the right place. One false move and She could get caught. Opening the door slowly, Sophie took a quick peek around before leaving the office quickly. If anything, it seemed like it was even more chaotic than before.
Upon arriving home, Sophie realized it was already mid afternoon. She could just tell her parents that she felt ill when she arrived at school and forgot to tell someone before she left. She hated the fact that once again she would be lying to her parents, but trying to explain to her parents about why she was at the police station and breaking into someone's office did not seem like a good option at the moment. After getting something to eat, Sophie sat down at her desk and took out the Maria's papers from her purse. There was so much information to absorb.
Maria Martinez
DOB: 3/5/93
Weight: 122 Lbs.
Height: 5' ft 7”
Injury: Torn ligament
Cause of death: overdose of opioids
Additional information: The deceased was given Adacin for an injury of a tear in the muscle of her right leg. The drug was prescribed to her and she was told to take the drug two times a day for five days. During the first four days, it is believed that Maria had ingested high amounts of opioids when she took her medication. By the fifth day, Maria had began to feel sick; she was emitted into the ER in the Montgomery Hospital. During the critical hours, Maria elapsed into a coma like state and later died four hours later.
Maria was that sick? Sophie had no idea. She knew that Maria was having chest pains and went to the doctor that Sunday afternoon. It wasn't til that early next morning that she found out about Maria's death. Sophie grabbed her laptop and searched opioids on the internet. Opioids, a drug commonly used for a medical-induced coma. That would explain why Maria fell into a coma state.
As she continued to sort through all the paper work, Sophie came across something interesting. There was a paper that seem to have some sort of note on it.
From: the Medical examiner's office
To: Whom it may concern
After further investigation, we can confirm that the latest victim's, Maria Martinez, organs have been removed and disappeared after she was examined and presumably before her burial. It is unknown at this time whom took them or where they are at this time. It is believed that whomever took the organs has sold them onto the black market. Currently, internal affairs is investigating these matters and procedures. Internal affairs will also investigate the possibility of an insider in our morgue that is working with this group. Any further details we come across will be sent directly to you.
Maria's organs were missing? Why would someone take her organs? Sophie knew that organs could be used in transplants to save people's lives, but she doesn't understand why a stranger would take them. What did they need with them? As horrible as it seems, Sophie felt a bit of relief and happiness. If there was any truth to this, her father wasn't involved. He didn't work in the medical examiner's office so he had no knowledge of any of this. If they are focusing on this aspect, they'll probably just drop any suspicion of her father, so she thought.
It wasn't until the early evening hours that Sophie's parents came home. They did not discuss any details about the investigation. However, Sophie detected something different about her father's attitude. Usually after these meeting he had with his lawyer, Mr. Johnson would be extremely stressed and even a bit panicky about it, though he tried to hide it from his daughter. But today was different. Her father looked happy and free. He was smiling and the color in his face had returned. This seemed like a great sign to Sophie. Finally, they go back to their normal lives. Boy, was she ever wrong.
The next day, all of the news stations were reported that there was another victim. Like all of the others, he had from cardiac arrest after taking Adacin. However that was not the most shocking part. “.....In another recent development, police have arrest thirty-eight year old Dennis Park. Park, who had worked for the county's medical examiner's office, is believed to be part of an illegal ring that sell organs on the black market. There is no further detail at this time, however, police believe that this case could be related to the deaths of the people who have taken the drug Adacin. We will update you all on this story as soon as we get any new developments. Now here is Mark Sheppard with the weather.”
Any hope Sophie once had now disappeared. There was no way that her father's company was involved in anything illegal! They were just going to once again blame her father for all of this wrong doing. Just then, Sophie had a brilliant idea. She could go to her father's office and look for information. If she could find the evidence that would convince them that her father and company was not corrupted. She can turn it in anonymously and that will be the end of it. Luckily for her, her parents were out for the day, so she could sneak away, no questions asked.
Once she arrived at the Montgomery Research Center, she came across Martha, a new tempt working at the front desk. 'Great, I'll just tell here that I need to get something for my dad's office.' “Hello Martha. Remember me? Sophie asked. “I think so, you're Dr. Johnson's daughter right? The writer?” Martha said, her eyes sparkling at the fact she finally had someone near her age to talk to. Sophie was impressed that the girl could remember her name, let alone her passion. “Yes. Listen, my family and I were having lunch, when he received a phone call from a acquaintance He wanted to discuss something with my father, but he didn't have the information he needed. He asked me to come here and grabbed the file for him.” Sophie said in one breath, hoping the girl would buy it. “Well, I guess it's okay to go in his office since your his daughter.” Martha replied. “I need a key though.” “Why didn't you bring his with you?” Martha asked, a little suspicious of Sophie's actions. “We were at the country club when he got the call. He wasn't expecting to do business today so we didn't carry the key with him and he was going to wait until the guy showed up to the country club. I didn't realize until now that I forgot the key.” Sophie prayed and prayed that Martha would buy it. “Hmm...OK then!” and with that, Martha pulled out a spare key from her desk drawl. Yes, definitely not the brightest girl Sophie's ever met.
As she walked down the halls, Sophie could smell the odor that came from chemicals and other experiments from surrounding rooms. Although writing was her passion, Sophie did have to admit that the science that went to medical work interested her greatly. When she was younger, her father would often bring her to the research center. Sophie would sit and watch intensely as the doctor's would perform several experiments and write down their observations. They would sometimes let her play with the animals that they would test their drugs on. That is probably how her parents
After hearing the click of the key, Sophie opened the door to her father's office. It was so much cleaner and organized then Detective Fisher's office. All files were organized neatly and alphabetically in file cabinets, pens and pencils were placed neatly in an unused coffee cup located at the corner of the desk. The room must have been cleaned quite recently for she can sense the faint smell of lemon Pinesole. Sophie knew she had little time to find something and get out of the office. Martha may not be the smartest person, but surely she would noticed if it took hours for Sophie to find the file. Plus, she couldn't risk any of her father's other colleagues finding out she was here.
First Sophie went through a few folders. Most of which held information and results of other drugs her father had developed and tested. Nothing really useful there. Maybe she could find something useful on his computer. Sophie turned it on and began strolling through past websites that her father had visited. Most of her father's folders where restricted and needed a password. No luck there. What about his email? Though she can imagine the though of her father strangling her after finding out she had read his emails, desperate times called for desperate measures.
Her father had enabled setting on his Outlook Express that did not require a password to access. Sophie began to quickly skim through emails. Most of which was spam emails and a few emails from colleagues about their progress on their works. As Sophie went to close the program, she seemed to hit the wrong button. Oops! The button had opened a hidden folder in Outlook Express. They contain emails, ones that her father did not want a person to find. Sophie began to feel nervous as she opened up one.
To: Dr. Johnson
From: Dennis Park
Subject: HELP!
The police keep coming back and asking me all these questions. I'm beginning to think they suspect me. Oh god, what should I do?! I don't want to go to jail! I need your help. E-mail me back ASAP.
There were several more emails between her father and Dennis Park. Sophie felt nauseous. This means, her father really was involved in all of this. Sophie felt angry, confused, and betrayed. He father was dedicated to finding cures and saving people, not killing them! Sophie came across one more email.
To: Dr. Johnson
From: Unknown Source
Subject: Tomorrow's Delivery
Bring the goods tomorrow at Pier 27 at noon. We'll have the money ready for you.
The email was dated for two days ago, Thursday. Sophie remembered that her father told her mother about meeting some clients. Some meeting, huh?! Sophie decided to print the emails and run. She need time to think of what should come next.
Completely torn, Sophie had no idea what to do as she drove home. Her father was a criminal, it should be easy to turn him in and lock away the key. She wanted justice for her friend. But, this was her dad. She couldn't turn her back on him. He was her family, her flesh and blood. Not to mention, her mother would be furious with her. However, if the police found out that she withheld this information from them, she could be in trouble herself. Sophie couldn't decide what was worth, possibly going to jail or dealing with her mother's wrath.
After much debate, Sophie thought it was best to confront her father about this first before deciding on what she should do. Who knows, maybe he was blacked mailed into this. As she approached the door of her father's den, Sophie could feel her heartbeat pick up and her stomach in knots. Best to get it over now she thought as she knocked on the door.
“Come in!” Dr. Johnson hollered from inside. “H-H-Hi Dad.” Sophie stuttered, shaking from fear. “Hey Sweetheart! Is something wrong? You are shaking like a leaf! Sit down and I'll get you a class of water.” With that, Dr. Johnson lead his daughter to a chair. Unknowingly, his concern was breaking her heart. How can someone like him who was kind and concern be a murderer? “Dad, I need to talk to you.” “Sure sweetheart, you can talk to me about anything!” “I know Dad” “See, now tell me whats wrong.” No dad, I mean I know.” “Know about what?” her father asked, not getting what he daughter was trying to say. “I mean, I know about everything dad. Everything!” Dr. Johnson became still from shocked .
“W-w-w-what do you mean? How do you know?” Dr. Johnson turned to Sophie, the color from his faced had completely disappeared, making Casper the friendly ghost look tan in comparison. “I found the emails in your office. Don't get too upset, but I thought I could help you. I thought I could find something that would exclude you from the investigation.” Sophie said quietly with her head down, afraid of the look on her father's face. “You what?! Sophie, how could you? You know better than to go through other people's things! Even four year olds know better than to do that!” There was no denying the fact that her father was completely filled with rage right now. “I was just trying to help! But, there's something more important right now dad! You used your drug to kill people dad! You killed them and then sold their body parts. Don't deny it, I have the emails right here!” Sophie held the folder up.
“Oh, god! Please tell me you did not go to the police.” The desperation dipping in his voice. “No, not yet. I thought it would be better to talk to you first before I decided on what to do.” Sophie said. Mr. Johnson took a deep breath. “Okay, okay, I'll explain to you everything I know. Just hear me out first” Her father said he as sat back down. “ During the final stages of our research, we experienced a bit of a problem. One of the older men who we were testing the drug on for his Arthritis, had become very ill after a few days. He began to experience chest pains. We took him into our little emergency room to work on him, However nothing was working, soon he fell into a coma then died.”
“Then what happened next? How did you get involved in the ring?” Sophie asked. Well, we had our own medical examiner runs some tests and perform an autopsy. She found that he had died because of an overdose of opioids. You see, we adjusted the dosage of opioids when we began to develop the drug for human use.” Dr. Johnson explained. “The opioids are what caused the coma right?” Sophie asked. “Right. It's used sometimes to put patients that are in great pain into a medically- induced coma so their body can heal on their own. We put it in the drug, to make people drowsy, so when they fell asleep, their bodies would heal on their own. Anyways, we noticed that his organs were working fine and in great condition later that afternoon when the autopsy was performed.” “Was he the first victim to have his organs taken?” “Yes. You see, they were in such great condition in fact, they would have made for a great donation to someone who needed it. However, it was later found out that he did not check the organ donor box and his driver's license and we could not find any next of kin to give us permission.”
“So, then you just decided to take them?” Sophie asked. “Well no. I was getting ready to leave work afternoon when I was approached by a man, Dennis Park. Dennis worked part time at the research lab and also at the morgue. Anyways, he said he knew of a young boy that could use the man's kidney's. He said the family would pay money for it, just so they could say the young man's life. Now, I didn't do it for the money, I never was very comfortable with accepting the money, but that little boy needed a kidney or he would die in the next few days! I figured that no one seem to know the man or miss him, so what harm could it do to give someone in need. I thought would be a one time thing.”
“Then, why have all these people died?” “A few days later, when we were going to re-evaluate the drug and changed the dosage, Mr. Park approached me again, asking for more organs. I asked him why and he said he was going to sell them to people. At first, I was shocked and disgusted. However, then he explained that he sold them to people who needed it and did not have insurance or the money to pay for the surgeries. Soon, We became business partners and decided to keep this up a little longer. Sweetie, do you know how long people have to wait before they get a chance to have these transplants. Some die waiting years for that day to happen. I'm sorry that these people died, but there are so many others who need these organs. Don't you understand?” Dr. Johnson said, trying to convince his daughter to see things his way.
“One of those people was my best friend dad! You let her take that drug knowing what would happen to her. Killing people to save others is not really helping people! Now, either you turn yourself in or I'll do it myself.” Sophie warned. Reluctantly, Dr. Johnson agreed. First though, they needed to explain this to Mrs. Johnson, who could not believe her ears. After an of sobbing and begging her husband not to turn himself in, she finally agreed. She knew it would look better if her husband confessed to his wrong doings.
Sophie and her mother had spend most the night in the police station as Detective Fisher interviewed her father. Guessing by how long it took, it seemed that her father was letting them in on every single little detail he knew. The sound of the door opening startled Sophie and Mrs. Johnson. Sophie watched as two police man carried her father away in handcuff. Dr. Johnson took one look at their direction and mouthed 'I'm sorry' as he was taken away. “What's going to happen to my father?” Sophie asked Detective Fisher. “Well, we offered a plea deal. The DA gave him five years in prison in exchange for testimony. However, there could be a good chance that most of that sentence get suspended.” Detective Fisher said.
The car ride home was completely silent. Sophie couldn't tell if her mother was angry with her. As they walked into the house, Mrs. Johnson stopped her daughter. “I'm not mad at you if that's what you're thinking. I guess I'm just trying to....process all of this. But I will say this. I am proud of you.” Mrs. Johnson said. “Really? Why?” Sophie asked, totally thrown off by her mother''s words. “You were smart enough to realize something was wrong. I think I just didn't want to believe your father was capable of doing something this horrifying. You however, got down to the truth and followed your heart. For that, I am so proud. I think that one day, you'll make a great journalist.” Mrs. Johnson smiled and hugged her daughter. Sophie felt relieved and a bit of joy when her mother said this. She finally knew that things were going to get better and that everything was going to be okay. It would take a while to piece everything back together, but she was going to be fine. Sophie could imagine Maria being proud of her friend for finding the truth and giving her justice.
