Chapter 18 - THE PLACE WHERE THE TRUTH WAS BURIED|
Northstar Children's Center looked nothing like a hospital.
The building stood behind a high fence, with white walls, tinted windows, and a security gate. A sign outside described it as a private rehabilitation facility for children with complex medical needs.
Elena stared at the building.
"This is where they kept Sophia?"
"Apparently," Adrian said.
His security team moved into position.
They had obtained a court order through a federal investigator named Claire Donovan, who had been following Northstar's financial activity for months. She arrived in an unmarked vehicle with two agents.
"Mr. Corsetti," she said. "I don't like working with you."
"Then we're even."
Claire looked at Elena.
"You're Margaret Hartwell's daughter?"
"Yes."
"Your mother gave us information years ago. We thought she was dead."
"So did I."
Claire nodded.
"We'll discuss that later. Right now, we need the records."
They entered through the main reception area.
A nurse approached.
"Can I help you?"
Claire presented the warrant.
"We're here to inspect the facility and secure its medical records."
The nurse went pale.
"Mr. Voss hasn't approved any inspection."
"That's unfortunate."
They moved down the corridor.
The first rooms contained ordinary medical equipment. The next section was locked behind a security door.
Adrian used the first key.
It opened.
Inside was a storage room lined with metal cabinets. Elena found a small safe beneath a desk.
The second key fit.
Inside was a black ledger, several flash drives, and a collection of patient files.
Claire examined the documents.
"This is enough to bring down the entire operation."
Elena searched the files.
She found Sophia's name.
The records showed that she had been admitted under a false identity after the poisoning. Her treatment had been controlled by Charles and Dr. Howard.
A note was attached to the final page.
Patient transferred to private residence. Continued observation required.
"Where is she now?" Elena asked.
Claire checked the transfer records.
"There's an address."
Adrian looked at it.
It was a private estate twenty miles away.
"Let's go."
Before they could leave, the building's alarm sounded.
A voice came over the speakers.
"Security breach. All exits are now locked."
Claire drew her weapon.
"Everyone stay together."
A man appeared at the end of the corridor.
Charles Voss.
He wore a dark suit and carried a pistol.
"Adrian. You really should have stayed home."
Adrian raised his weapon.
"Where is my wife?"
Charles smiled.
"She's waiting for you."
Elena stepped forward.
"Why did you tell Isabella she was dead?"
"Because a child who believes her mother is gone is easier to control."
"You're sick."
"Perhaps. But I built something valuable."
Claire aimed at him.
"Drop the weapon."
Charles laughed.
"You think a warrant protects you here?"
He fired.
The bullet struck the wall beside Claire. Adrian returned fire, forcing Charles behind a cabinet.
The security team moved forward.
Elena grabbed the ledger and ran toward the side door.
A second man emerged from a room and seized her arm.
She struggled, but he was stronger.
"Let go!"
He dragged her toward the stairwell.
Then someone struck him from behind.
Margaret.
She had followed them into the corridor.
"Run!"
Elena stumbled toward the exit.
Behind her, gunfire echoed through the building.
Then she heard Adrian shout her name.
May you like
And a second later, Charles's voice came through the speakers.
"If you want your wife alive, Adrian, come alone."
