Chapter 12 - The Empty Incubator
Emily tried to stand.
Pain tore through her abdomen.
Hannah caught her before she fell.
Raymond ran toward the NICU with security.
The incubator was empty.
The breathing lines had been disconnected carefully.
No alarm had sounded.
Someone had used an executive override code.
The camera showed a woman in surgical scrubs entering the unit.
Her mask covered most of her face.
She moved with the confidence of hospital staff.
She carried the baby through a restricted service elevator.
The code belonged to Victor Shaw.
Victor swore he had not used it.
Security traced the elevator to the underground research wing.
That floor had been closed for renovation.
Emily remembered Vanessa’s company.
Cross Genetic Solutions.
The false research contract.
The newborn data.
“This was never only about money,” she said.
Raymond understood.
“The offshore investors wanted a living participant.”
The Saint Claire network had developed experimental neonatal gene therapy.
The program had been suspended because the treatment was not ready for human testing.
Lawrence and Victor had both worked on the advisory committee.
Elias had inherited a rare genetic marker from Elizabeth’s side of the family.
His blood could unlock the trust’s medical research archive.
But the investors also believed he was the ideal candidate for an illegal trial.
Raymond’s security team entered the underground wing.
They found Melissa Dane beside a mobile incubator.
She held a syringe above the baby’s IV port.
“Step away,” Raymond ordered.
Melissa began crying.
“They said the treatment would save children.”
“They said this baby was already approved.”
“He is not a research subject.”
“He is my family.”
Melissa backed toward the elevator.
A man stepped from the shadows behind her.
Victor Shaw.
He placed one hand over hers.
“Finish the injection.”
Raymond stared at his oldest friend.
Victor’s earlier confession had been another diversion.
He had not protected Emily.
He had adjusted the anticoagulant because killing her before the child was born would destroy the trust transfer.
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Victor was not being blackmailed.
He had helped design the entire plan.
