Chapter 4 - Secrets in the Hospital RoomBy midnight, the storm outside had intensified, but inside the private hospital room, the air was warm and quiet. Emily lay in the bed, an IV line in her arm, her color slowly returning to normal. Baby Sophie slept peacefully in a heated crib beside her, completely healthy thanks to her mother's fierce protection.
Jacob sat in the chair beside Emily, holding her hand while she finally told him the full story.
"It started three months ago," Emily whispered, her voice still hoarse. "Your mother came over unannounced. She said she needed to check the mail. Then your father called, demanding access to your laptop for 'tax purposes.' When I refused, they got aggressive."
"Did they hurt you before tonight?" Jacob asked, his knuckles turning white.
"No, but they terrified me," Emily said, a tear sliding down her cheek. "They cut off my debit cards. They had the power company turn off the heat at our old apartment, forcing me to come here to ask for help. When I arrived today, your mother unlocked the door, took Sophie’s diaper bag, and told me that if I didn't sign a confession admitting I stole corporate files, I would never see you or my baby again."
"And when you refused?"
"She shoved me out onto the porch and locked the deadbolt," Emily sobbed. "I screamed for hours, Jacob. Your mother watched me through the window while drinking her wine. Your father told me to freeze like the worthless peasant I was."
Jacob pulled Emily into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. "They will pay for every single second you spent in the cold. I swear it."
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Just then, a knock came at the hospital room door. A woman in a sharp dark suit walked in, carrying a leather briefcase.
"Captain Miller? Mrs. Miller?" she asked softly. "My name is Victoria Vance. I'm Agent Vance's sister, and the lead federal prosecutor assigned to your case. There is something you need to know before tomorrow's arraignment."
