Chapter 4 - Entering the Sanctuary of Healing
The private oncology institute looked more like a five-star hotel than a hospital.
Glass walls,
polished marble floors,
and soft ambient lighting greeted us as we walked through the grand entrance.
Because of Captain Miller's connections and an expedited priority wire transfer of advance funds,
a specialized medical team was already waiting for us in the private VIP wing.
Dr. Harrison,
a renowned oncologist with silver hair and an aura of absolute authority,
met us in the consultation suite.
Gwen sat in a plush armchair,
wrapped in a warm blanket,
looking bewildered by the sudden shift in reality.
"Mr. Vance,"
Dr. Harrison said,
shaking my hand firmly.
"I’ve reviewed the preliminary biopsy notes and scans you sent over this morning.
We are going to take exceptional care of Mrs. Vance."
"Whatever it takes,
Doctor,"
I replied,
my voice unwavering.
"Cost is not a factor.
Use every resource,
every specialist,
every advanced treatment available."
Dr. Harrison nodded approvingly.
"We will begin a comprehensive staging scan immediately to determine the exact progression of the malignancy.
Given the delay in her initial treatment,
we have no time to lose.
Nurse,
please escort Mrs. Vance to the diagnostic suite for immediate blood panels and imaging."
Gwen looked at me with frightened eyes,
her fingers gripping my sleeve.
"I'll be right here waiting for you,
sweetheart,"
I promised,
kissing her forehead tenderly.
"I'm not going anywhere."
As the nurses wheeled Gwen down the sterile, brightly lit corridor toward the testing rooms,
I felt a heavy knot twist in my stomach.
The anger returned,
hot and visceral.
My family had forced this dying woman to sell her own hair for a hundred-and-fifty-dollar biopsy while they bought luxury trucks and gold jewelry with my sweat and blood.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
It was a text message from Captain Miller:
Asset freeze secured on all target accounts.
Property deed flagged for emergency litigation.
Ready for phase two whenever you give the word.
I stared at the screen,
May you like
a cold smile touching the corners of my lips.
Phase two was going to be an absolute masterpiece of retribution.
