CHAPTER 4 – The Woman at the Hospital Door
By midnight, Michael was rushed into surgery under police protection.
Shadow refused to leave the hallway.
Nurses tried to move him.
He growled.
Captain Ryan finally said, "Let him stay. That dog found him for a reason."
Two hours later, a woman arrived at the hospital in a black coat.
Claire Reed.
Beautiful. Calm. Perfectly dressed.
Too perfect for a wife who had just learned her dead husband was alive.
She walked to the front desk and smiled.
"I'm here for Michael Reed."
Detective Harris stepped in front of her.
"How did you know he was here?"
For the first time, Claire's smile cracked.
Before she could answer, Shadow stood up.
The dog stared at her.
Then he began barking like he had recognized the real enemy.
Everyone in the hallway turned.
Claire whispered, "Get that dog away from me."
But it was too late.
A small girl appeared behind her, clutching a worn teddy bear.
Emma.
She looked at the hospital room door.
Then at the wounded man through the glass.
Her lips trembled.
"Daddy?"
Michael opened his eyes.
Tears rolled down his face.
But before he could speak...
Claire grabbed Emma's wrist and hissed,
"That man is not your father."
And from behind Claire, the man in the dark suit stepped out.
The same man from the photograph.
May you like
Smiling.
Holding a hospital discharge paper already signed in Michael's name.
