Forbidden Cure Part Two: Revelations

By William Rubin

In the wake of his beloved wife’s death, Detective Chris Ravello’s life is in shambles. Overwhelmed by grief and dogged by an unrelenting, devastating disease, Chris abruptly resigns as the NYPD’s Chief of the Division of Medical Crimes.

But his hopes for a healthier, less-troubled life are short-lived.

A harrowing near-death experience forces Chris to submit to a series of risky, ill-advised, and experimental treatments that will either cure him or kill him.

As Chris’ best friend, NYPD Detective Kevin Kennedy, investigates a series of perplexing and appalling deaths, he uncovers a disturbing truth – Ravello’s cure has already killed four other patients.

Just when all seems lost, hope comes from the unlikeliest of sources – an old nemesis making incredible claims:
Michelle Ravello is alive and he can lead the detectives to her and their killer.

But can Kennedy and Ravello trust one sociopath to catch another? And what is the terrible price they must pay for his cooperation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: William Rubin
• Release date: Sep 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9780997594997

William Rubin

William Rubin is a practicing physician who enjoys weaving tales of medical/scientific intrigue. Writing for him is equal parts catharsis, creativity, and escape from the rigors of a busy medical practice and the joys and challenges of raising a family. The works of James Patterson, Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Patricia Cornwell inspired Dr. Rubin to create the Christopher Ravello Series. Challenges and tragedies in Dr. Rubin’s life, particularly the untimely death of his mother, provided some of the underlying drama, conflict, and turmoil for the series’ lead character. When he isn't busy practicing medicine or crafting his next medical thriller, Dr. Rubin enjoys time with his family and friends, running, playing piano, and travel. He values your thoughts, insights, and feelings on this book so please leave a review on your favorite website(s)

Book preview

BY WILLIAM RUBIN

FORBIDDEN BEGINNINGS: JACQUELINE’S TRAGEDY

FORBIDDEN BIRTH

FORBIDDEN CURE

MICHELLE’S CAPTIVITY

FORBIDDEN CURE 2

REVELATIONS

WILLIAM RUBIN

A Chris Ravello Medical Thriller

Crystal Vision

Publishing

Forbidden Cure is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the author. You can contact William Rubin at [e-mail].

This book is also available in print.

ISBN: 978-0-9975949-9-7

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2018 William Rubin

Published by Crystal Vision Publishing

Cover design by Carl Graves – Extended Imagery

Formatted by Christine Keleny – CKBooks Publishing

Chapter 1

Last night’s talk with Durand behind him, Kennedy bounds up the stairs toward Chris’ hospital room, still undecided on how much to share with his friend. At the third floor landing, Kennedy exits the stairwell and plows straight ahead. His pulse quickens as a familiar tightness diffuses through his chest. Reared by a drunken, abusive father, visits to the hospital were a staple for Kennedy, his kid sister, and their mother. Ten years visiting these institutions as a homicide detective has done little to quell his discomfort.

Badge hanging from a lanyard around his neck, Kennedy nods at an orderly as he marches toward the nurses’ station. A second nod acknowledges the floor clerk, a large African-American woman of ill-tempered disposition, and two nurses preoccupied with their last minute, early morning charting. A few steps later, Kennedy raps his knuckles on the private room Chris has called home since yesterday afternoon.

Hope I’m not interrupting anything. Looks like a real party around here, Kennedy says with a smirk.

Ravello, bored by inactivity, brightens at the sight of his friend. Oh yeah, just sent the dancing girls home after a night of revelry, he replies with a laugh and a smile. It’s really been la vida loco around here. Ravello reaches for the clicker and silences the TV’s incessant drone. How’s everything going at the 1-7?

Kennedy pulls a chair over to Chris’ bedside and flops onto it. He hoped to ease into this, to get his bearings before diving in, but what the hell, why wait?

Funny you should ask. Our buddy Durand rang last night before I left.

Ravello’s face hardens; his eyes narrow. What the hell did he want?

You’re not going to believe this shit....

Try me.

He knew about the murder case I just picked up, said he could help find the killer.

Ravello’s face morphs to frustrated astonishment as his hands clench the bedsheets. How’s that even possible? The murder happened two days ago. Think he’s involved?

That’s my guess, but of course, he denies it.

Ravello stares out the window at the early morning sun rising over the East River, his frustration mounting. If he’s not involved, why play snitch? What’s in it for him?

Kennedy shrugs his shoulders. He didn’t exactly say. He shifts in the cramped seat. Shit, I’d rather be anywhere but here right now. Apparently, he’s done sharing with me for now.

So, what, that’s it, he’s just dropping it? Ravello says with confusion. Why even bother calling in the first place?

Kennedy averts his gaze, staring at the ceiling for a moment, before coming back to Ravello. Nah, he just wants to, uh, talk to somebody else now.

Yeah? Wh—mother fucker! Me? Ravello shakes his