Chapter 13
Ethan drove back toward Northwest Community Hospital, his eyes constantly checking his rearview mirror for tails.
The city was buzzing; police sirens echoed across downtown Chicago as news of the Vance family scandal began breaking across radio channels.
Ethan parked his truck in a dark alley two blocks away from the hospital, stepping out into the snow to avoid security cameras.
He slipped through the rear service entrance of the medical facility, navigating the quiet halls back to Clara's ICU ward.
Detective Sarah Miller was standing outside the room, holding two cups of coffee with a look of extreme disbelief on her face.
"I just saw the news, Ethan," Sarah whispered as he approached. "Senator Harrington was just arrested at his estate by federal agents."
"And Julian Vance fell seventy floors to his death from his penthouse."
Ethan didn't answer, stepping past her to look through the glass window into Clara's room.
"Did you do this, Ethan?" Sarah asked softly, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and awe.
"The men who hurt my wife are paying their debt," Ethan answered plainly.
"It's not over," Sarah warned, leaning closer. "Marcus Vance just left his estate under armed guard."
"He called in a private security company based out of Virginia—former mercenary operators."
"They aren't coming to surrender, Ethan. Marcus knows his life is over, and he wants total war before he goes down."
Ethan looked at Clara, who was sleeping peacefully under the soft glow of the heart monitor.
"Then I will give him total war," Ethan said quietly.
"Sarah, I need you to transfer Clara to a secure military medical facility in Great Lakes right now."
May you like
"I can arrange an armed escort," Sarah agreed. "But what about you?"
Ethan checked the magazine of his sidearm, adjusting his jacket. "I'm going to end the Vance bloodline tonight."
