Fear

49 • The hospital

I awoke to a blinding white light and the sterile smell of a hospital. The world around me was a blur of stark white and beeping machines. A sharp, throbbing pain in my abdomen told me why I was here. I groaned, trying to sit up, but my body protested with excruciating pain.

My heart pounded in my chest as my memory began to flood back. I remembered the ambush, the deafening sound of gunfire, terrified screams.

Emily...

My mind raced, frantic to piece together the disjointed fragments.

Where is she?

"Boss, don't move too much," a familiar voice whispered.

I turned my head and saw Jack sitting by my bedside, looking haggard and worn. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had a bandage wrapped around his arm.

"Jack... Emily... where is she?" My voice came out hoarse, barely a whisper, my eyes wide and fearful.

Jack's expression darkened, he looked down at his lap and mumbled. "We were ambushed. Nate's dead. Emily's... gone. They took her."

The words hit me like a sledgehammer. Nate was dead, and Emily was in X's hands.

I felt a surge of guilt and anger. I had failed to protect them. The pain in my abdomen was nothing compared to the anguish I felt after hearing that.

"I have to get out of here," I said, trying to swing my legs over the side of the bed. The room spun, and I nearly blacked out, falling backward onto the mattress as Jack tried to stop me.

"You need to rest. You were shot, for God's sake," Jack insisted, pushing me back down gently but firmly.

"No. No. There's no time for that," I snapped. "I have to find her. I have to save her, Jack."

He stared at the desperation on my face then sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. "I've been trying to gather information while you were out. We have a lead, but you're not ready to go anywhere yet."

I was fucking paranoid. I was a major criminal, known worldwide - being in a hospital was a massive risk. I had dyed my hair in preparation, but there was still a very real possibility that someone could recognise me or inform the police. Every passing minute felt like a countdown to disaster.

I scanned the room again, looking for anything out of place. My paranoia kicked in, making every shadow seem like a lurking threat. "We need to leave. I can't risk being caught."

Jack nodded, understanding my fear. "Boss... I don't think that's a good idea, you're gonna bleed out if you go now."

"Help me up," I grunted.

He helped me sit up slowly. I winced and gritted my teeth against the pain. My movements were slow and deliberate, each one sending sharp jolts through my body.

Once I was dressed, Jack supported me as we made our way out of the room. Every step was a struggle, but I forced myself to keep moving. We had to avoid detection at all costs. The sterile hallways of the hospital felt like a maze designed to trap me. My heart raced, expecting to see police at any moment.
A few suspicious glances from nurses and visitors made me even more uncomfortable.

When we finally made it to the exit, a black car was waiting. Jack helped me inside and I collapsed into the back seat, my body exhausted from the effort. The car sped off, and I took a deep breath, trying to combat the intense pain as I gripped my abdomen.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice strained.

"I know a contact in Richmond who might know where X is holding Emily. We'll start there," Jack said, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

As we drove, I couldn't stop thinking about Emily. She was out there, terrified under X's manipulation, and it was all my fault. The guilt crushed me, but I pushed it aside. I had to stay focused. I had to find her.

Jack glanced at me through the rear view mirror, his expression grim. "We'll get her back, Ty. We just need a plan."

I nodded, a grunt escaping my lips as the pain ripped through me. It was dizzying, and as much as I tried to maintain focus, I almost blacked out twice during the ride.

But despite the pain, despite the fear, I made a silent vow. I would find her. I would save her. No matter what it took.

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