Chapter 7 - The Trial of Smoke and FirePanic exploded across the lower levels of St. Jude's Medical Center. Alarms blared continuously through the corridors as private hospital security rushed to isolate the main lobby.
Through the fifth-floor window, Mia could see police cruisers encircling the building. But these weren't standard officers—many carried the unmarked tactical insignias of Harrison’s corrupt task force.
"Evelyn didn't escape alone," Victor realized instantly, looking through the blinds at the lobby entrance below. "Julian had his men break her out. He’s using her as a distraction to draw the federal marshals away while he sweeps this building for Tommy."
"We have to get Tommy out of here," Mia declared fiercely, moving toward the crib.
"No," Dr. Elena said firmly, placing a hand on Mia’s arm. "The lower exits are completely blockaded. If you try to carry a baby through that lobby, you’ll be pinned in the crossfire. There’s a rooftop helipad, but it requires an executive override key."
"Where is the key?" Victor asked.
"In the Chief Medical Officer’s office," Elena answered. "On the floor right below us—where Evelyn is holding the board members."
Victor looked at Mia, then down at his sidearm. "Stay here with Elena and lock this door from the inside. Don't open it for anyone unless you hear my code on the radio."
"Victor, no!" Mia grabbed his arm. "She’s insane! She lost everything last night!"
"That makes her more dangerous, Mia," Victor said softly, placing his hand over hers. "Which is why I have to finish this. Keep Tommy safe."
Down on the fourth floor, the grand conference room was filled with heavy smoke from a triggered fire canister. Evelyn Sterling stood at the head of the long mahogany table, her designer dress torn and smudged with ash, her silver hair wild. She held a revolver steadily aimed at three trembling board executives.
"Where is the girl?!" Evelyn shrieked, her voice echoing with unhinged rage. "I know Julian brought her here! Where is my grandson?!"
"He isn't your grandson, Evelyn," Victor’s voice rang out clearly as he stepped through the shattered glass doors of the boardroom.
Evelyn whirled around, her revolver snapping toward Victor’s chest. A terrifying, manic smile spread across her face. "Victor... the loyal dog returns to his dead master's house."
"Drop the gun, Evelyn," Victor said calmly, keeping his own weapon lowered at his side. "Julian broke you out of that transport because he needed a fall guy. The moment you kill anyone in this room, his snipers outside will take you out and call it a tragic hostage situation."
Evelyn’s eyes flickered toward the large windows. For a fraction of a second, hesitation crossed her face. "You're lying! Julian promised me my shares back!"
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"Julian took your shares two hours ago using the Panama accounts you signed over to him," Victor revealed coldly, pulling up a document on his phone and tossing it onto the table. "Look at the transfer log, Evelyn. You’re broke. He left you with nothing."
Evelyn dropped her gaze to the screen. As she read the digital signature confirming Julian Vance had stripped her of every remaining asset, the final thread of her sanity snapped. She raised her revolver, aimed straight at Victor, and pulled the trigger.
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