Chapter 7 - The Trap at the Hospital Room
But the bullet didn't hit me.
Arthur’s security guard had lunged forward, grabbing Patricia’s arm just as she fired. The bullet shattered a stained-glass window behind me, raining colorful shards onto the floor. The guards quickly disarmed her, forcing her down into her chair as she sobbed and cursed.
The library doors opened again, and Detective Marcus Ramirez walked in, followed by four armed police officers.
"Patricia Sterling, Daniel Sterling, you are under arrest for conspiracy, wire fraud, attempted assault with a deadly weapon, and money laundering," Marcus said, his voice calm and professional.
As they were being handcuffed, Daniel looked at me, tears streaming down his face. "Mara... please. Help me. Tell them I didn't know about the gun! I love you, Mara! We can start over!"
"I don't deal in fiction anymore, Daniel," I said, putting the USB drive into my briefcase and locking it. "I deal in cold, hard facts. And the fact is, you are going to prison."
Two hours later, we were back at Mercy General. Vanessa had been cleared by the doctors—there were no contractions, just a panic attack designed to evade arrest. She sat in her hospital bed, looking pale and defeated, as Arthur and I walked into the room.
"Daddy," Vanessa whispered, reaching her hand out. "Please tell me you fixed it. Tell me I'm not going to jail."
Arthur walked to her bedside, his expression filled with a deep, sorrowful disappointment. "You are going to have to face the court, Vanessa. But because of Mara, the prosecutor is willing to offer you a plea deal. You'll serve probation and community service instead of prison time, provided you testify against Daniel and Patricia."
May you like
Vanessa looked at me, her eyes filled with tears, her pride completely shattered. "Why... why would you help me? I took your husband. I crashed your car."
"I didn't do it for you, Vanessa," I said, looking down at her pregnant belly. "I did it for the baby. She deserves a mother who is present, not one behind bars. Don't waste this second chance."
