Chapter 8 - The Hostage Ward
The shrill howl of the hospital fire alarms erupted instantly, plunging the entire floor into chaos.
Emergency strobe lights bathed the sterile hallways in flashing amber hues.
Medical staff scrambled to evacuate patients from the upper wings toward the fire exits.
Dr. Harrison looked at Nathan with wide, terrified eyes.
"We can't move Maya yet; she is still under deep surgical sedation," Dr. Harrison shouted over the deafening sirens.
"I won't leave her," Nathan said, his voice deadly calm and razor sharp.
Marcus ran into the surgical suite holding a tactical tablet displaying the hospital's security camera feeds.
"It's Damian," Marcus said, pointing at the live surveillance footage on the screen.
Damian was standing in the hospital's central oxygen distribution room in the basement, holding an electronic detonator wired to the main gas valves.
Gregory Cross stood beside him, holding a heavy briefcase and flanked by three armed mercenaries.
"They aren't trying to blow up the building, Nathan," Marcus realized aloud.
"They're using the bomb threat to clear the hospital so they can eliminate Maya and the baby without witnesses."
Nathan reached down and pulled a spare sidearm from Marcus's shoulder holster.
"Marcus, stay here with Toby and lock down this operating room," Nathan commanded.
"If anyone tries to breach those doors, put them down."
"What are you going to do, Nathan?" Marcus asked.
"I am going to end this family dynasty once and for all," Nathan replied without looking back.
Nathan stepped into the smoke-filled corridor and took the service stairs down toward the basement.
The basement was damp, cold, and smelled of heavy engine oil and medical gas.
Nathan moved silently through the shadows of the giant steel pipes, his weapon raised and ready.
Through the reinforced glass of the oxygen vault, he saw Damian pacing back and forth nervously, sweat drenching his designer shirt.
Gregory was calmly watching a timer on his smartphone, his expression completely devoid of remorse.
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Nathan kicked open the heavy iron door of the vault, leveling his firearm directly between Gregory's eyes.
"Drop the detonator, Damian, or your father dies right where he stands."
