Chapter 9 - The Truth Unveiled
The waiting room of the hospital was painfully silent.
Eli sat in a plastic chair, her hands still stained with her father's blood.
Laura paced back and forth, holding a cup of cold coffee that she hadn't taken a sip of.
The FBI agents had already debriefed them.
Vanessa was in federal custody, facing multiple life sentences for racketeering and attempted murder.
The cartel network she had been running was completely dismantled.
Laura finally sat down next to Eli, letting out a long, exhausted sigh.
"I'm so sorry I abandoned you, sweetheart," Laura whispered, fresh tears falling.
"The FBI told me the cartel would execute you both if I didn't go deep undercover."
"I spent ten years dismantling their operation from the inside out just to protect you."
Eli leaned over and rested her head on her mother's shoulder, finally feeling safe.
"I understand, Mom, I'm just so glad you're back."
Suddenly, the swinging doors of the surgical ward burst open.
A tired-looking surgeon wearing blue scrubs walked out, looking for them.
Laura and Eli both shot up from their seats, their hearts pounding in their throats.
The doctor pulled his mask down and let out a deep breath.
"It was a very difficult surgery," the doctor began, his tone serious.
"The bullet missed his heart by less than a millimeter."
Eli gripped her mother's hand so tightly her knuckles turned entirely white.
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"Is he going to live?" Laura demanded, her voice cracking with fear.
The doctor looked at them both and finally offered a warm, reassuring smile.
