Chapter 2 - The Lifeline at Midnight
Arthur released his grip with a disgusted shove, sending me collapsing onto the hardwood floor, coughing and gasping for breath.
"You have until midnight to transfer the funds," Arthur spat, kicking the white envelope across the floor. "If those bookies come to my house, I will throw you onto the street without a dime."
He turned and walked into the living room with Brandon and Cynthia, their casual conversation resuming as if an attempted murder had not just taken place.
Dragging my bruised body along the baseboard, I crawled to the front foyer, grabbed my coat and car keys, and slipped into the cool desert night.
I climbed into my modest sedan, locking the doors with shaking hands.
My neck burned with dark, purplish finger-shaped bruises, and blood trickled from a cut near my hairline.
I pulled out my phone and dialed the only person who had ever treated me with unconditional loyalty: Dr. Julian Vance.
Julian was a brilliant pediatric oncology surgeon at the Mayo Clinic and my late best friend's older brother. At thirty-three, he was steady, protective, and possessed an unyielding moral compass.
"Mia?" Julian’s deep, grounding voice came through the speaker. "Is everything ready for Thursday's admission?"
"Julian..." I choked out, a sob finally breaking through my chest. "They tried to take the money. My dad... he choked me."
"Where are you right now?" Julian demanded, his voice dropping into razor-sharp urgency.
May you like
"In the car... outside their neighborhood."
"Drive straight to the emergency trauma entrance at Mayo," Julian commanded. "I am leaving my office right now. Do not stop for anyone."
