Chapter 3 - THE TRAUMA CENTER LOCKDOWN
The private ambulance sped down Interstate 95 with its emergency lights flashing, escorted by two marked federal vehicles. Serena lay strapped to the gurney inside, receiving oxygen while a paramedic monitored her fluctuating vital signs.
Caleb sat in the jump seat beside her, holding his FBI badge in one hand while using his satellite phone to coordinate with the Washington Field Office. The radio chatter in his ear was frantic, reporting protests and media trucks gathering outside the estate.
"We are five minutes out from Inova Fairfax Hospital," Caleb reported into his radio headset. "I need a full security detail on the trauma floor immediately, no unauthorized personnel under any circumstances."
At the hospital entrance, armed federal marshals established a perimeter around the emergency bay, turning away news reporters who were already broadcasting the incident live. Serena was rolled through the automatic glass doors, her lavender dress stained with dirt and dry blood.
Inside the waiting room, Victoria Vance arrived thirty minutes later under heavy armed guard, accompanied by her senior defense attorney. She wore a long camel coat over her navy blouse, her eyes sharp with calculating malice despite her situation.
"My client demands immediate release on personal recognizance," the attorney declared to the federal prosecutor standing outside the intensive care unit. "This entire scenario is a manufactured political hit job meant to destroy Vance Dynamics!"
The prosecutor did not even look up from his tablet as he adjusted his glasses. "Your client's son was filmed throwing a federal informant off a balcony, counselor."
"Serena is a mentally unstable woman who fell while experiencing a hysterical episode!" Victoria interjected coldly, stepping forward with her chin held high. "She threw herself over that railing to frame my son!"
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The heavy double doors of the ICU swung open, and Caleb walked out, his olive green shirt rolled up at the sleeves to reveal his muscular forearms. He looked at Victoria with absolute disdain, sliding a thick plastic evidence bag out of his jacket pocket.
"The audio recorder hidden under her dress captured every word Julian said before he pushed her, Victoria," Caleb revealed, his voice steady as steel. "Your family is finished, and no amount of political influence is going to save you."
