Chapter 3 FRAMED

The doctor's body trembled as Mr. Blackthorne's final words echoed in her head. 'I'll make sure you suffer.'

She looked at the inspector, desperately hoping he would understand that she was not the person Mr. Blackthorne claimed she was.

"Miss, I'm afraid you'll have to come with us to the police station," he said.

"But I didn't do anything!" Her voice broke. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks before she could wipe them away. "I'm not a criminal. I was only trying to help her!"

"I understand that you're upset," the inspector replied. "But we need to verify what happened. We're taking you to the station so we can clarify the circumstances of the accident. If you don't mind, please come with us."

"Wait. I'd like to change my clothes first." She glanced down at her bloodstained outfit, suddenly unable to bear the sight of it.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," he said. "You'll have to arrange for someone to bring you a change of clothes. I can't let you leave the scene."

She pressed her lips together, struggling to hold back another sob. The inspector turned towards Mr. Blackthorne, who stood nearby, breathing heavily. His expression remained hard, but the tears in his eyes betrayed the pain beneath his anger.

"Mr. Blackthorne, I know this is a difficult situation for you," the inspector said carefully. "But I'd appreciate it if you could accompany us to the station as well."

Before Mr. Blackthorne could respond, another flash went off. The photographers had barely given him a moment's peace.

The doctor looked away and reached for her phone. With unsteady fingers, she dialled a number. It rang several times before someone finally answered.

"Hello Gigi?" She swallowed, trying to steady her voice. "Can you hear me?" She paused to listen. "Can you please come to the police station?" Another pause. "No, nothing happened. Don't worry. I'll explain everything when you get here and don't tell mum."

Her voice faltered as she glanced down at her clothes. "Please, bring me an extra clothes for me too." She listened for a moment before answering. "It's okay. I'm fine. I'll explain everything when you arrive."

She ended the call. Around her, the reporters were growing bolder.

"Why would she kill Mrs. Blackthorne?" one asked. "Did they know each other? Could there have been some kind of dispute between them?"

Another reporter turned towards the others. "She claims to be a doctor. Imagine the hospital getting sued because one of its doctors killed a patient!"

Their voices carried across the scene. The doctor heard every word. She wanted to turn around and tell them to stop. She wanted to scream that they had no idea what had happened, that none of them had been there when she fought to save the woman's life. But she couldn't. She was exhausted, frightened, and overwhelmed. Tears continued to roll down her cheeks as she stared at the ground.

'How did I end up in this mess?' She had been on her way to work. She had stopped because someone needed help. That was all. And somehow, she was the one being treated like a criminal.

"Miss."

She looked up. The inspector was holding the handcuffs. Her eyes dropped to the metal restraints. "Why are you handcuffing me?"

"Because you're a criminal!" Mr. Blackthorne barked from behind her. "You're a murderer!"

The inspector shot him a warning look. "Mr. Blackthorne."

Mr. Blackthorne's jaw tightened. He turned away without another word and headed towards his car. The reporters immediately followed him.

"Mr. Blackthorne! Do you believe the doctor deliberately killed your wife?"

"Did you know the accused woman before tonight?"

"Will you be pressing charges?"

Flashes followed him as he walked, but he ignored the questions and continued towards his vehicle. Behind him, the inspector secured the handcuffs around the doctor's wrists. The cold metal touched her skin. She stared at the restraints, unable to believe what was happening. Then the officers led her towards the police vehicle.

The reporters turned their attention back to her. "Doctor! Was the accident deliberate?"

"Did you know Mrs. Blackthorne?" another one said.

"Why did you kill her?"

"Do you have anything to say to the public?"

The questions came one after another, each one more unbearable than the last. She lowered her head as the officers escorted her away. She had spent the night trying to save a stranger. Now, in front of a crowd eager for answers, she was being condemned for that stranger's death.