Chapter 10 - THE HOSPITAL WHERE NOBODY LEFT
By late afternoon, St. Catherine's Rehabilitation Institute was surrounded by federal agents.
The building stood beyond an iron gate, hidden among acres of wooded property.
From the outside, it looked like an expensive private hospital.
Inside, investigators feared they would find something entirely different.
Adrien wanted to enter with the first team.
Detective Hayes refused.
“You're a potential witness, Mr. Belandi. Let us do our job.”
“My wife is in there.”
“I understand. But rushing in could put her at greater risk.”
Evelyn stood beside him.
“She needs you alive when they bring her out.”
Adrien looked at her.
After a long moment, he nodded.
They waited inside a command vehicle.
Ten minutes passed.
Then twenty.
Finally, a voice crackled through the radio.
“We've secured the east wing.”
Another pause.
“Multiple patients located.”
Adrien leaned forward.
“And Celeste?”
Static.
Then:
“Female patient found in Room 314. Identification pending.”
Adrien closed his eyes.
Evelyn reached for his hand.
This time, neither hesitated.
Several minutes later, paramedics emerged carrying a woman on a stretcher.
Her dark hair had grown long.
Her face was pale.
She looked thinner than in the photographs.
But Adrien recognized her instantly.
“Celeste!”
He moved toward her.
An officer stopped him until medical personnel confirmed it was safe.
Then he approached slowly.
Celeste opened her eyes.
“Adrien?”
His knees nearly buckled.
“I'm here.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“The children…”
“They're safe.”
She began crying.
“I tried to get back.”
“I know.”
He gently kissed her forehead.
For two years, he'd imagined this reunion a thousand different ways.
None had prepared him for the sound of her voice.
But as paramedics prepared to transport her, Celeste gripped his wrist.
“Matteo?”
“He's being investigated.”
She shook her head frantically.
“No. You don't understand.”
Adrien leaned closer.
“What?”
“Matteo didn't start this.”
Adrien froze.
Celeste's voice became urgent.
“He was taking orders from someone else.”
“Who?”
She looked toward Evelyn.
Her expression changed.
“Oh, my God.”
Evelyn stepped closer.
“Mrs. Belandi?”
Celeste began trembling.
“You look just like Grace.”
Evelyn felt cold.
“My mother?”
Celeste grabbed her hand.
May you like
Then whispered:
“Your mother isn't dead, Evelyn.”
