Chapter 6 - The Freezing Stare
The air in the hospital room dropped twenty degrees. General Vance didn't blink as he looked down at Grant, his expression shifting from professional respect to cold, unfiltered contempt.
"Mr. Holloway," General Vance said, his voice dropping an octave into a low, rumbling authority. "Step away from the bed."
Grant blinked, sweating profusely despite the cool air conditioning. "I... I don't think you understand. That's my wife—soon to be ex-wife. She was just served with—"
"I understand the situation perfectly, Mr. Holloway," the general interrupted, his voice cutting through Grant's words like a combat knife. "I understand that a civilian contractor working under my jurisdiction has committed multiple breaches of military protocol, harassment of a superior officer, and gross violations of operational security."
Jessica gasped, grabbing Grant's arm. "General, you must be confused. Tessa is just a clerk! She doesn't even have clearance for—"
"Silence, civilian," General Vance barked, the sheer volume of his command making Jessica recoil as if she had been slapped.
I gently shifted Maya in my arms, watching the color drain entirely from Grant’s face. The arrogance that had filled him moments ago had completely evaporated, replaced by a pathetic, shivering panic.
"General," I said softly, cutting through the heavy silence. "Let's not make a scene in the maternity ward. My daughter is sleeping."
"Of course, Colonel," General Vance replied instantly, his tone softening a fraction as he looked at me. He turned back to the two military police officers standing at attention by the door. "Escort Mr. Holloway and his companion to the ground floor lobby. Ensure they do not return."
"Wait! You can't do this!" Grant shrieked as the two towering MPs stepped forward, their heavy combat boots clicking against the linoleum. "Do you know who I am? I'm closing a thirty-million-dollar acquisition deal next week! I'll ruin you! I'll have your stars stripped!"
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The MPs didn't speak. They each grabbed one of Grant’s arms, their grips like steel vises, and hoisted him up as he thrashed. Jessica screamed as she was nudged toward the door behind them.
"Goodbye, Grant," I said quietly, watching him being dragged out of the room. "You always said I handled things you wouldn't understand. You were right."
