Chapter 3 - The Empty Bed
Damon did not waste a single second.
"Get the cars ready, now," he ordered Matteo.
Damon wrapped his own heavy cashmere overcoat around Kate's trembling shoulders.
"We are going to get your mother," he promised her.
They bypassed the crowded main ballroom, taking a hidden service elevator down to the underground garage.
Three armored black SUVs were waiting with their engines already roaring.
Damon practically carried Kate into the backseat of the lead vehicle.
Matteo took the wheel, tearing out of the garage and speeding down the dark highway.
Kate clutched her broken arm, silently praying they would make it in time.
The drive to St. Vincent's Hospital usually took forty minutes.
Matteo made it in fifteen.
They slammed on the brakes outside the emergency entrance, ignoring the blaring horns of an ambulance.
Damon drew his weapon and led Kate through the sliding glass doors.
The hospital lobby was eerily quiet for a Saturday night.
The security guard at the front desk was slumped over his chair, completely unconscious.
"Fourth floor, oncology," Kate whispered, pointing toward the elevators.
They sprinted up the emergency stairwell, taking the steps two at a time.
Damon kicked open the door to the fourth floor, his gun raised and ready.
The hallway was empty, bathed in harsh fluorescent light.
Kate ran down the corridor, her heart pounding in her throat.
She reached Room 412 and pushed the heavy wooden door open.
The heart monitor was flatlining, emitting a steady, terrifying beep.
The IV bags were ripped from their metal stands, spilling clear fluid onto the linoleum floor.
The hospital bed was completely empty.
Kate collapsed to her knees, letting out a shattered, agonizing sob.
Damon walked into the room and picked up a piece of hotel stationary resting on the pillow.
He read the messy handwriting and crushed the paper in his fist.
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"Preston didn't do this alone," Damon growled, turning to Matteo.
"His father's private security team took her."
