Unmasking The Mafia

Chapter 31

Days have passed since your conversation with Ethan, and everything has gone back to relative normalcy. The incident has faded from the forefront of your minds, life moving along with its customary routine.

As you move about your day, however, an unexpected phone call breaks the silence, the ringtone jarring you out of whatever task you're engaged in.

You pick up the phone and answer, "hello?"

An unfamiliar male voice answers on the other side of the line, his tone professional yet lacking any warmth.

"Is this Evelyn Coldwell?"

"It is. Who's speaking?"

The man ignores your question for the moment, continuing in the same business-like tone.

"Mrs. Coldwell, I'm calling from Saint Mercy Hospital. We have some... information for you."

"The hospital? What happened?"

You hear the man sigh heavily on the other end, a sound that does nothing to assuage the growing worry in your gut.

"Mrs. Coldwell, I think it would be best if you and Mr. Coldwell came down to the hospital as soon as possible. We have something to discuss in person."

"Unless I'm given an answer, I'm not going anywhere."

There's a pause from the man on the other end of the line, a moment of silence that only amps up your anxiety.

Finally, he speaks again, but his voice is cautious, as if he's reluctant to share the information over the phone.

"Ma'am, I assure you, it's in both your best interest and your husband's if you come down to the hospital. We have information regarding an incident involving your son."

By the time you reach the hospital, a wave of fear and worry has settled over you, your mind racing with the possible scenarios that could have unfolded.

You look over at William, his expression a mask of stony calm, betraying none of the unease that you know he's feeling.

Together, the two of you reach the front desk, where a receptionist looks up and addresses you with a polite, yet concerned smile.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"Our son was admitted. Ethan Coldwell?"

The receptionist nods and types something into her computer, her eyes scanning the monitor as she pulls up the required information.

"Ah, yes, I have him right here. Room 219." she looks up at the two of you, her smile strained, as if bracing for a difficult conversation.

"I'll just call for a nurse to take you there."

You hear the receptionist call after you as you turn and head for the hallway, a hint of annoyance in her voice, but you pay her no heed, your focus solely on finding your son.

The hallway is lined with identical doors, each bearing a number that seems to blur together in your agitated state. Finally, you reach room 219 and quickly push the door open, William hot on your heels.

When you open the door, the sight that greets you is one that jolts your heart. There, lying in the stark white hospital bed, is Ethan. He's hooked up to several machines, the beeping and whirring providing a discordant background track to the scene.

He looks pale, the usual rosy colour in his cheeks all but drained away, and his eyes are closed. Only the steady rise and fall of his chest confirms that he's still breathing.

William stands behind you, his grip on your arms firm and reassuring. His expression is unreadable, his eyes fixed on his son's still form, a mix of worry and anger clouding his features.