Chapter 2 - The Stolen Signature
Marcus stared at the glowing monitor in utter disbelief.
His signature was rendered with terrifying, flawless precision.
"I never signed this document," Marcus said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
Nurse Sarah backed away toward the emergency phone on the wall, her face pale.
"Mr. Vance, hospital protocol states that once a DNR is logged into the central database, only the attending physician can revoke it," she stammered.
Eleanor adjusted her diamond earrings and stepped closer to the foot of the bed.
"You were drinking heavily at the charity gala tonight, Marcus," Eleanor lied without missing a beat.
"Everyone saw you sign the palliative transfer papers in the executive lounge before you ran out."
Chloe began to cough violently, her oxygen monitor screaming another shrill alarm.
Marcus rushed back to Chloe's side, stroking her damp forehead with his hand.
"Don't cry, baby girl, Daddy is right here," he whispered softly.
The door swung open, and Dr. Robert Evans strode into the room holding a metal clipboard.
Dr. Evans was the chief of pediatric medicine and Eleanor Vance's personal physician for over two decades.
"What is all this commotion?" Dr. Evans asked, his tone authoritative and icy.
"Mr. Vance, you are creating a disturbance in a sterile recovery room."
Marcus pointed at the amber vial resting in his palm.
"Explain what this unmarked drug is doing under my daughter's pillow, Doctor."
Dr. Evans did not flinch, but his jaw tightened noticeably under the fluorescent lights.
"That is an experimental sedative prescribed to manage her severe cognitive decline," Dr. Evans said smoothly.
"Hand it over immediately so I can safely log it into the pharmacy inventory."
Marcus slipped the vial securely into his inner tuxedo pocket.
"This vial is going to an independent federal laboratory tonight," Marcus said.
Eleanor glanced at Dr. Evans and gave him a subtle, cold nod.
Dr. Evans reached into his white coat and pressed a silent security transponder.
Heavy footsteps pounded outside in the hallway.
Four armed private hospital guards entered the room with their hands resting on their holsters.
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"Marcus Vance is suffering from an acute grief-induced psychotic episode," Dr. Evans announced to the guards.
"Subdue him and remove the child for immediate terminal hospice transfer."
