Chapter 2 - The Hospital Room
White fluorescent light blinded me when I finally opened my eyes. The rhythmic sound of a heart monitor pulsed steadily beside my bed. My entire stomach was wrapped in thick white bandages that smelled of strong medicine. A doctor stood at the foot of my bed with a deeply troubled expression. He explained that my burn injuries were extremely serious and prone to infection. He added that my baby was currently alive, but the pregnancy was in critical danger. I turned my head toward the pillow and let silent tears stream down my face. I had survived the nightmare in the garage, but my child was still fighting for survival. The door to my hospital room slowly opened and a tall man walked inside. It was the neighbor who had recorded the video and saved my life. He introduced himself as David and handed me a cup of cold water. He told me that my husband and mother-in-law had been taken into police custody. I thanked him for being brave enough to intervene when no one else cared. David frowned and looked nervously over his shoulder at the hallway. He confessed that the police had just released my husband on an emergency bail. I dropped the plastic cup, spilling water all over my hospital gown. I demanded to know how an attempted murderer could walk free so quickly. David explained that the judge who signed the release papers was a woman named Victoria. Victoria was not just a powerful local magistrate. She was the new girlfriend my husband had been bragging about in the garage. Two uniformed police officers suddenly walked into my hospital room with heavy footsteps. They did not ask me how I was feeling or if my baby was safe. The lead officer pulled out a pair of handcuffs and approached my bed. He announced that I was under arrest for severe insurance fraud and property arson.
