Chapter 8 - The Evidence of the Braided ManeDr. Thorne stepped into the stall, approaching Goliath with open palms. The horse tossed his head slightly, but allowed the veteran surgeon to examine the crest of his neck.
Dr. Thorne unwove the remainder of the tight braid. As the hair fell away, the full extent of the damage became visible: three puncture marks surrounded by severe tissue necrosis, the result of repeated, non-sterile injections of intramuscular neurotoxins intended to artificially depress the horse's natural gait for rigged sales.
"Deep tissue abscess," Dr. Thorne murmured, his face hardening like carved granite. "The infection reached the supraspinous ligament. Every time this animal turned his neck to the right, he was experiencing blinding, agonizing pain. No wonder he struck out at anyone who reached for his halter."
The Dean turned slowly toward Tyler Harris.
"You called him a 'rabid biter,'" Dr. Thorne said, his voice dropping to a terrifying, quiet register. "You knew he was in agony because you caused it. You used an animal's suffering as a weapon of intimidation against your peers."
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"My father funds this entire wing!" Tyler shouted, backing toward the exit doors, only to find the two security officers blocking the threshold. "You wouldn't have an operating room without him!"
"Your father's money cannot buy back your soul, Mr. Harris," Dr. Thorne replied evenly. "Officers, escort him to the administrative holding room. The state troopers are waiting in my office."
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