Chapter 8 - The Cousin Who Arrived to Mourn
Lorenzo reached the hospital fifteen minutes later.
He wore a charcoal suit and carried no weapon.
Three lawyers accompanied him.
So did six men who claimed to be family security.
Hospital administrator Merrick personally escorted them upstairs.
Vincent met them near the locked elevator.
“This floor is closed.”
Lorenzo spread his hands.
“My cousin is dead. His family has the right to see him.”
“No public statement has been made.”
Lorenzo smiled.
“News travels.”
“Through Dr. Hale?”
The smile remained.
“I don’t know the doctor.”
Cara watched from the security feed.
Lorenzo showed no grief.
He seemed irritated by delay.
His attorney produced an old family authorization naming Lorenzo as emergency representative if Dominic became incapacitated.
Vincent produced a newer document revoking that authority.
Lorenzo’s lawyer challenged the signature.
The argument was exactly what Lorenzo needed.
Time.
At 5:00 a.m., he could begin the transfer of power if Dominic had not appeared.
Sofia wanted to walk into the hallway and show him that Dominic was alive.
Vincent stopped her.
“If Lorenzo knows, he activates every person still loyal to him.”
“He already knows something went wrong.”
“He does not know how much evidence we have.”
Cara checked Dominic again.
His pulse remained weak but stable.
The toxicology team identified the heart-slowing drug and began targeted treatment.
Dominic could speak for short periods.
But a public appearance might cause another collapse.
He listened to Lorenzo through the hallway feed.
“My cousin’s final wishes must be honored,” Lorenzo said.
Dominic’s eyes opened.
“He never honored anything.”
Sofia sat beside him.
“We can delay the meeting.”
“No. He controls too many votes under the old rules.”
Vincent asked Dominic where the original restructuring ledger was located.
Dominic answered with one word.
“Chapel.”
St. Catherine’s had a small interfaith chapel on the first floor.
Vincent looked confused.
Dominic explained that he had arranged to meet a federal contact there at 4:30.
The encrypted ledger was hidden inside a memorial cabinet.
If Lorenzo obtained it first, he could identify every cooperating witness.
Cara checked the time.
3:52 a.m.
Vincent could not leave the floor while Lorenzo waited outside.
Sofia could not risk being followed.
Cara was the only person Lorenzo’s men might dismiss as unimportant.
Vincent objected.
Cara looked at Dominic.
“Which cabinet?”
“Saint Michael candle. Bottom panel.”
She removed her bloodstained emergency jacket and replaced it with a clean hospital coat.
Before leaving, Dominic called her name.
“Do not trust anyone who offers to help too quickly.”
Cara stepped into the service elevator.
When the doors opened on the first floor, administrator Merrick was waiting.
He smiled.
May you like
“Nurse Mitchell, where are you going?”
👉 Cara had been warned not to trust easy help—and the hospital administrator already knew exactly which elevator she would use.
