Chapter 2 – The Man Who Knew
Five floors below the maternity wing, David Lawson had just finished reviewing maintenance reports.
Officially, he was Director of Hospital Operations.
Unofficially...
He had watched over Khloe since she was ten years old.
Very few people knew the truth.
Khloe's late mother had been David's younger sister.
After her death, David quietly stayed close, never interfering with Khloe's independent life unless she truly needed him.
His phone vibrated.
Emergency Security Alert.
VIP Patient Assault.
Suite 1708.
Patient:
Khloe Thorne.
The color drained from his face.
He didn't wait for the elevator.
He ran.
Meanwhile...
Hospital Security Supervisor Liam Brooks had already reached the surveillance center.
"Lock every camera feed covering seventeen."
Technicians moved instantly.
Six screens illuminated.
Hallway.
Elevator.
Reception.
Private suite.
Waiting lounge.
Inside Suite 1708...
The recording played.
Without sound.
But sound wasn't necessary.
Everyone watched Isabella pace impatiently before Khloe entered.
They watched her block the doorway.
Point aggressively.
Advance.
Shove.
Again.
Then—
The kick.
The room fell silent.
No one blinked.
Security technician Maria whispered,
"Replay."
Again.
Frame by frame.
There was no ambiguity.
No provocation.
No self-defense.
Only deliberate violence.
Liam exhaled slowly.
"Copy everything."
"Three encrypted backups."
"No editing."
"No one accesses this without my authorization."
David burst into the room moments later.
"Where is she?"
Liam pointed toward the monitors.
"You should see this."
David watched the assault unfold.
His fists clenched.
By the end of the recording...
His hands were shaking.
"Give me every copy."
Liam hesitated.
"This will become evidence."
David nodded.
"I know."
May you like
His voice had become frighteningly calm.
"So let's make sure nobody has the opportunity to make it disappear."
