Chapter 9
Heavy, booted footsteps echoed loudly down the hospital corridor, accompanied by the crackle of police radios. Four armed police officers burst into the recovery suite, their hands resting on their holstered weapons. They took in the chaotic scene instantly: the overturned tray tables, the crying women, and the wealthy patriarch pinned to the floor by hospital security.
“What is the situation here?” the lead officer demanded, stepping into the center of the room.
“Attempted kidnapping, assault on a patient, and suspected human trafficking,” the lead security guard reported, hauling Richard up from the floor by his zip-tied wrists. “The hospital legal team has the entire paper trail in that file.”
The nurse immediately stepped forward, handing the thick manila envelope to the police officer. “It’s all in here, Officer. He forged medical release documents to bypass the maternity ward security. He was planning to hand the child over to a cartel proxy.”
The officer scanned the first page of the document, his eyes widening in shock. He looked up at Richard, who was standing perfectly straight despite the zip-ties, his chin held high in a pathetic display of lingering arrogance.
“Richard Vance,” the officer said, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt. “You are under arrest. Read him his rights, Miller.”
As one officer took custody of Richard, two others moved toward the corner where Daniel and Jessica were cowering.
“We didn't do anything!” Jessica screamed, bursting into fresh, hysterical tears as an officer grabbed her wrist. “It was all Richard’s idea! He forced us into this! Tell them, Daniel! Tell them we didn't want to do it!”
“I have the right to an attorney,” Daniel muttered blankly, his eyes hollow as the handcuffs clicked shut around his wrists. He looked over at Maya, his expression pathetic and begging. “I’m sorry, Maya. I really am. I just wanted to survive.”
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“You are dead to me, Daniel,” Maya said, her voice completely devoid of emotion. “If you ever come near my family again, you won't need a cartel to end your life.”
Daniel hung his head, offering no further resistance as the police began to march them toward the door.
