Turning to face the officers, Eric’s voice cracked beneath restrained rage. “She’s running a fever. She’s hooked to fluids. And still you keep her cuffed like a threat? She’s not dangerous. She’s just a woman who’s barely holding on.”
“Mr. Scott—” Cristian and Phillips shared a quick look before stepping in, flanking him on both sides to hold him back. “Please don’t act on impulse!”
With a hard set to his jaw, Eric closed his eyes, taking a breath to steady himself. When he looked up, he faced Cristian directly. “She’s unwell. I’m taking her out of here.”
Cristian wavered, torn by duty and empathy. “I’m sorry… but that’s against the protocol.”
Screw the protocol, Eric thought.
Eric clenched his fists to keep his temper in check. “She’s not fit to be held like this.”
“We’re doing everything we can,” Cristian replied, trying to keep things from escalating.
Had it not been for the weight of the Scott and Flynn names, Hadley wouldn’t have seen a hospital bed—she would have been processed straight into a cold station cell. No hospital stay would have been granted under normal circumstances, much less a private room.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Scott.” One of the officers shifted aside, giving him space. “You’ve got ten minutes. I hope that’s clear.”
Phillips responded before Eric could speak. “Understood. Thank you, officer.”
He stepped ahead to push the door open. “Mr. Scott, you should go in.” With a glance, he urged Eric to make every second count.
Eric didn’t hesitate. He moved straight into the room.
“Hadley…” His voice broke as he reached her side, barely louder than a whisper. The sight of her nearly stopped him cold. She looked so fragile—so thin it seemed even a breeze might carry her away. Weeks of stress had stripped her of any weight she’d once carried.
Without stirring much, Hadley slowly blinked her eyes open. She hadn’t been asleep—just lying still, letting the quiet settle over her.
Mr? ont?nt : glov?ls.○
“You really came?” A faint smile touched her lips as she looked up at him. “I’m sorry… it’s late, and I’ve troubled you again.”
“Stop talking like that.” Eric lowered himself onto the bed, pretending to scold her as he took her hand. With his free hand, he gently brushed aside the strands clinging to her damp forehead. “How did it come to this? I told you not to carry it all alone. You were supposed to just relax and let me handle it. Don’t you believe in me?”
“I did believe you…” Her fevered eyes shimmered, the rims tinged red. “But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t quiet my thoughts. I couldn’t sleep.”
Although frustration swirled beneath his calm, Eric softened his tone. “You’re burning up. Don’t stress yourself anymore. Just try to rest for now.”
Then, as if it had suddenly come to mind, he added, “Dr. Brooks is with me. I’ll ask him to come check on you in a little while, alright?”
“Alright.” Hadley gave a small nod, her grip tightening around his fingers. “I’ll be okay. I’m not backing down. Linda’s been getting away with this for too long. I need to put an end to it.”
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