Chapter 4 - The Shadow at St. Jude's
The pediatric floor of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was quiet, save for the rhythmic humming of heart monitors and soft footfalls of nurses.
Maya walked down the long corridor, holding the heavy cake box in both hands while David followed a few paces behind to ensure her safety.
In Room 412, nine-year-old Tommy Harrison lay in a high-tech hospital bed, his face pale and thin, but his blue eyes lit up as Maya walked through the door.
"You really brought it, May-May?" Tommy whispered, his voice weak as he tried to sit up against his white pillows.
"I earned it, Tommy!" Maya declared proudly, setting the box down on the rolling bedside table with absolute precision.
David stood in the doorway, his eyes scanning the medical chart hanging on the end of Tommy's bed.
His heart stopped when his eyes caught the patient's full legal surname: Harrison.
Fifteen years ago, David's former business partner, Richard Harrison, had mysteriously perished in a tragic offshore boat accident, leaving behind an untraceable fortune.
David stepped into the room, his breath catching in his throat. "Tommy... what was your father's name?"
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"Richard," Tommy answered quietly, pulling his blanket up. "Our mom said he was a good man who built shipping ships before he died."
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