Chapter 8 - Unraveling the Web
Sarah was rushed to the regional hospital where I held privileges. I personally oversaw her treatment, treating her hypothermia, cracked ribs, and severe concussion. For three days, I didn't leave her bedside, monitoring her vitals while state investigators worked outside her room.
With Marcus Kane in police custody under heavy guard, the legal grid locked tight around Arthur Vance. The original documents recovered from Lily’s coat provided clear evidence of Vance’s involvement in money laundering, wire fraud, and criminal conspiracy. Within forty-eight hours, federal agents executed search warrants on Vance's corporate headquarters in Seattle, arresting him and several associates.
On the fourth day, Sarah finally opened her eyes without the fog of delirium. She looked around the private hospital room, her gaze settling on me as I sat in the chair beside her bed.
"Nathan," she said, her voice raspy.
"Don't try to move too fast," I said softly, handing her a glass of water with a straw. "You're safe. Marcus is in custody. Vance has been arrested. It's over."
Sarah swallowed water, tears filling her green eyes. "The children... Lily, Owen, Ethan... are they—"
"They are at my house, safe and healthy," I interrupted gently. "Lily saved them, Sarah. She walked through a blizzard to get to me because you told her to."
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Sarah began to cry quietly, covering her face with her thin hands. "I'm so sorry, Nathan. I wanted to come back so many times. But Marcus... he showed me photos of your home, your hospital. He said if I left, he would make sure you lost everything."
I took her hand, holding it tight. "You have nothing to apologize for, Sarah. I was the one who let pride and anger close my eyes. I failed to protect you. But that ends now."
