Chapter 10 - THE TRAITOR AT THE HOSPITAL DOOR
At 7:26 p.m., Alicia woke to find an unfamiliar nurse standing beside her bed.
The woman's uniform looked correct.
Her identification badge looked official.
But something was wrong.
Alicia recognized nearly everyone on the oncology floor.
She had spent enough time there to know their names, their routines, and which nurses quietly brought extra blankets when the rooms became cold.
She had never seen this woman.
"Your doctor ordered a transfer," the nurse said.
Alicia frowned.
"Where?"
"Another treatment unit."
"My doctor didn't mention that."
"The order just came through."
The woman reached for Alicia's IV pole.
Alicia pressed the call button.
"I'd like to speak with Dr. Brooks first."
The nurse smiled.
"Of course."
But she didn't stop moving the equipment.
Alicia's pulse quickened.
Then the door opened.
Caleum Mercer stepped inside.
He wore a charcoal overcoat and an expression of practiced sympathy.
"Alicia."
Her blood went cold.
"Caleum."
He closed the door behind him.
"I'm sorry you've had such a difficult evening."
She sat upright.
"Get out."
He sighed.
"Still stubborn."
Alicia reached for her phone.
The unfamiliar nurse moved toward the bedside table.
Alicia grabbed it first.
Caleum raised one hand.
"Don't make this unpleasant."
She stared at him.
"You forged my husband's messages."
Caleum smiled faintly.
"Valyrian was already suspicious. I merely gave him reasons."
"You manipulated my medical records."
"That's a serious accusation."
"And you want me dead."
His expression changed.
Not much.
Just enough.
"Your illness created an opportunity," he said quietly. "I didn't create it."
Alicia felt fear rising through her chest.
But she forced herself to remain calm.
"Then why are you here?"
"Because Victor Darks has become inconvenient."
Her heart stopped.
"He's alive?"
Caleum tilted his head.
"So you found the lodge."
Alicia's hand tightened around her phone.
"I know about the trust."
"Then you understand why your signature is necessary."
"What happens if I refuse?"
He looked toward the nurse.
"Then your husband may never learn what happened to his father."
Alicia stared at him.
For years, she'd believed Caleum was loyal to Valyrian.
Now she saw how easily he'd used that loyalty as a disguise.
Then she heard footsteps outside.
A familiar voice.
"Step away from my wife."
Valyrian stood in the doorway.
Marco and two hospital security officers were behind him.
Caleum turned slowly.
For the first time, his confidence cracked.
"Valyrian."
Valyrian's expression was terrifyingly calm.
"You have exactly one chance to explain why you're in my wife's hospital room."
Caleum glanced toward the emergency exit.
The unfamiliar nurse moved first.
She attempted to push past Marco.
Hospital security stopped her.
Caleum suddenly lunged toward the open doorway.
Valyrian stepped into his path.
The two men collided.
Caleum struck him across the shoulder and tried to break free.
Valyrian shoved him back.
Caleum charged again.
This time, Valyrian caught his arm, turned him away from Alicia's bed, and held him against the wall until the responding officers took control.
Alicia watched, trembling.
Valyrian turned immediately.
"Are you hurt?"
She shook her head.
He crossed the room and held her.
"I'm here."
Caleum laughed from the doorway.
"You think this changes anything?"
Valyrian looked over his shoulder.
"You're finished."
Caleum smiled.
"Not until you find your father."
Valyrian went still.
"What did you do with him?"
Caleum's smile widened.
"Ask your wife."
Alicia pulled back.
"What?"
Caleum looked directly at her.
"Tell him what Victor said about the baby."
The room fell silent.
Valyrian turned toward Alicia.
Her face had gone white.
May you like
Because there was one part of the medical story she had never told him.
One heartbreaking secret she'd protected even after their marriage began falling apart.
