Poisoned?
That word struck a chord with the Quinton family. They found it too hard to believe.
From Derek's point of view, he always thought his adopt parents Edward and Emma died of a sickness. How was it that they were poisoned?
"You better have a thorough explanation for this!!!" Peter warned Dr Crestwell.
"Start talking!!" Lea commanded.
"Derek, the day your parents...I mean adopt parents died, I did a mandatory autopsy to find out their cause of death." began Dr Crestwell.
"When the autopsy was completed, I found quantitative amounts of what I thought were blood clots in their bloodstream. When I did further tests, I found out it was not clots. It was poison."
Derek was getting more upset as Dr Crestwell continued his explanation.
"I went to the Smith household, intending to report my findings to the whole family. Instead, Madam Louise ordered me to go to her study and report my findings to her alone."
"I did what she requested. When she heard my reports, she was not saddened. No...she had a smile on her face."
"I'll never forget the look, the most evil of smiles she had. She then told me it was on purpose. I could not believe what I heard from her."
"She deliberately poisoned her own son and daughter in law? How evil can one b**** get?" Peter said out loud.
"I don't know why she did what she did; but she ordered me to keep that revelation to myself. She even threatened to harm me and my family if I ever leaked out this information." said Dr Crestwell.
"One thing I don't understand....when did you stop being the Smith's family doctor?" asked Lea.
"The next day. I resigned from the hospital I worked in and I requested to have my medical licence revoked. Since then I worked as an office clerk in the suburbs near this cemetery." replied Dr Crestwell.
"Every year, I would visit their grave because of this guilt I have been carrying for the last twenty years. I never imagined I would see you again Derek, let alone with your real parents, the most powerful couple in Townsville."
"Neither did you know...that you've been lying to the son of the most powerful couple in Townsville." said Peter.
"I deserve whatever punishment you wish you inflict on me. All I ask is one chance for me to make amends." pleaded Dr Crestwell.
"Honestly, Dr....I mean Mr Crestwell, I should have you locked up for the rest of your life." said Peter.
"Hold on, dad. I agree there has to be some form of punishment for Mr Crestwell; but we have to be fair to him. After all, he did shoulder a big burden, sacrificing his career to keep his family safe." replied Derek.
"Besides honey, this confession from Crestwell could prove useful in sending Louise to jail." added Lea.
"It's not that easy. Somehow we need that evil b**** to confess herself that she poisoned Edward and Emma." said Peter.
Just then, Derek's phone sounded off, indicating there was an incoming message.
Derek took out his phone to read it. As he was reading his message, Derek had a grin on his face.
"Well well well....talk about perfect timing. Crestwell, you said you wanted to make amends. Here's your chance." said Derek.
"What do you have there son?" asked Lea.
Derek then showed the message he was reading to his parents. That message came from....none other than his cousin Madison.
'Brother Derek, my family and I are heading over to BDT mall in a short while. Do not go there.'
'Also, Charles saw you and Desmond at the business district. Please exercise caution. I don't want them making fun of you again. They don't deserve your time or attention. Love, Maddy.'
"It looks like your chance at redemption is here. Crestwell, I want you to meet the Smith family at BDT mall. Do whatever it takes to get a confession out of that b**** Louise Smith!" instructed Peter.
"Yes, Sir! When do I meet them?" asked Crestwell.
"They are on their way to BDT mall right now. Go and find them!" replied Lea.
"Yes Ma'am. I'll head over right now." said Crestwell.
"Hold on."
Derek paused for a few seconds before heading to the car and retrieve a small device and approaching Crestwell.
"This here is a bug microphone. Plant this mic under your collar so they can't see it. The mic will be connected to my phone. We will be able to record and hear everything you and Madam Louise say." said Derek.
"Son, we need to keep him in a safe house of sorts once he is done. Any suggestions?" asked Lea.
"There's only one place possible." replied Derek.
"You mean....the Townsville Hillside Condo?" asked Peter.
"The Smith family has no idea we bought that place; it's the safest place for now. Crestwell, move your entire family to the condo once you have completed your mission. However, under no circumstances are you allowed to leave your safe house. Understand?" instructed Derek.
"Understood." Crestwell affirmed.
"One other thing. My son wants his real identity concealed. Not a word about this conversation must leave your lips. Do you understand?" said Peter.
"Yes, Sir!" replied Crestwell.
"Good. now get going before you miss the Smith family." ordered Derek.
Without hesitation, Crestwell got into his car and drove full speed to BDT mall.
"Do you think we can trust him?" Peter asked Derek.
"I think we can. He was coerced to keep a dark secret. Still, just in case, Desmond's security team in the condo will keep an eye on him." replied Derek.
"Well, we got more pressing matters at hand tonight, son. Your ex-boss faces practically extinction. Is Desmond and our new gang ready?" asked Peter.
"As ready as they will ever be. In fact, now that you mentioned it..." replied Derek as he took his phone back from his mother and made a call.
"Hi Amanda. I need your assistance tonight. Meet me at the Quinton Tower entrance at sunset." Derek said over the phone.
"Understood, boss. See you this evening." replied Amanda.
"Hey...what did I say about being outside the Quinton Tower?" Derek asked jokingly.
"Haha sorry...Derek." replied Amanda before disconnecting the call.
"Well son, looks like you and Amanda are getting along very well, eh." Peter teased Derek.
"Leeeet's go dad." replied Derek, his face getting flushed.
As father and son went back to the car, Lea stood at Edward and Emma's grave for a few more seconds.
'I know you both will be watching over our son. I hope you will watch over Amanda too. Our son deserves to have love in his life and Amanda is right for him.' Lea thought in her mind before joining her family back in the car.