Chapter 17 - shadowed crib
The heavy oak doors of the study were smashed open three seconds later as six armed state troopers flooded into the room, their tactical flashlights cutting through the dust and rain air.
"State Police! Hands where we can see them! On the ground! On the ground now!"
Dr. Thorne collapsed onto his knees near the terrace doors, his hands raised high above his head, weeping uncontrollably as an officer pinned him to the floorboards and snapped steel handcuffs around his wrists.
Julian lay against the hearth, holding his shoulder, his dark eyes glare fixed onto me with a cold, venomous hatred that felt entirely foreign. The charming, loving husband I had known for four years had vanished completely, leaving behind an empty, ruthless shell.
I backed away toward the corner of the room, keeping Leo wrapped securely inside my coat, holding his small head against my neck as he let out little, soft cries. Maya stood beside me, her arm resting protectively across my shoulders as two paramedics hurried into the room with medical kits.
"Is the baby alright, ma'am?" the lead paramedic asked, kneeling beside me and gently shining a penlight into Leo’s eyes.
"He was sedated," I choked out, my voice cracking under the overwhelming wave of adrenaline and exhaustion. "They used an experimental compound... lot 884."
The paramedic checked Leo’s pulse, his expression softening as he looked up at me. "His pupils are reactive, and his heart rate is steady, ma'am. He's strong. We're taking you both to Saint Jude's pediatric ICU right now for a full toxicological flush."
May you like
As two officers escorted Julian out of the study in handcuffs, he paused beside me in the doorway. He didn't look at his baby. He looked straight into my eyes, his voice dropping into a low, terrifying whisper that no one else could hear over the noise of the room.
"You think you've saved him, Laura?" Julian murmured, a faint, chilling smile touching the corner of his lips. "You haven't seen the rest of my mother's ledgers."
