Chapter 7 - Travis Thought It Was Only About Sleep
Travis talked after the restaurant.
Not because he became decent.
Because Camille abandoned him immediately.
The moment police and restaurant security began separating witnesses, Camille told staff:
“He attacked Landon. I barely know him.”
Travis heard it.
Whatever loyalty existed between them cracked instantly.
His attorney contacted Landon’s attorney the next morning.
Travis wanted to make a statement.
Landon did not meet him directly.
He watched remotely while counsel questioned him.
Travis admitted the affair began approximately three months earlier.
He also admitted knowing Camille sometimes altered Landon’s evening drink.
But his version created an important distinction.
“She told me it was prescribed sleep medication.”
“Did you ever verify that?”
“No.”
“Why was she giving it without Landon knowing?”
Travis looked ashamed.
“She said he refused sleep aids because he was stubborn.”
“And that didn’t concern you?”
“It should have.”
A useless answer, but honest.
Then the attorney asked:
“When did you realize it affected more than sleep?”
Travis went quiet.
One month into the affair, he heard Camille talking to Nora about Landon’s disappointing therapy progress.
After Nora left, Camille said:
“Good. Another bad week buys me another month.”
Travis asked what she meant.
Camille laughed it off.
Later he saw her hide the medication.
He started asking questions.
“She told me Landon was planning to leave her if he became independent.”
Landon felt his stomach turn even hearing it secondhand.
“And you stayed with her?”
Travis looked toward the floor.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because by then I was in love with her.”
That was probably what he told himself.
The attorney asked the most important question:
“Did Camille ever say she wanted Landon permanently injured?”
“No.”
“Dead?”
“No.”
“Hospitalized?”
“No.”
“What did she want?”
Travis answered after a long pause.
“She wanted him uncertain.”
That phrase was more accurate than anything else.
Not immobile forever.
Uncertain.
Strong one week.
Weak the next.
Hopeful, then defeated.
Never sure enough to make a decision without Camille.
The scheme depended not on total helplessness—
May you like
but unstable confidence.
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