Chapter 2 - The Lion in the Den
Grant Vale arrived at 1:15 a.m. He was a man who commanded cameras. His hair was perfectly styled, his suit was crisp, and his face was set in a mask of practiced, polished concern. He marched into the ER with his head of security trailing behind him, his presence designed to overwhelm, to intimidate, and to extract information.
He saw the nurses at the station and demanded, "Where is my wife? Claire Vale."
Nurse Amy Collins stepped in front of him, her posture rigid. "Sir, she’s in a private room. You aren't permitted back there."
"I am the District Attorney," Grant sneered, his smile tight. "And she is my wife. Don't play games with me."
He tried to push past, but the hospital’s head of security—who had received a very specific, very heavy phone call from the Board of Directors ten minutes prior—blocked him.
"You can't go in, Mr. Vale."
"Who is in there with her?" Grant’s eyes narrowed. "I saw a black SUV parked illegally in the ambulance bay. I know what's happening. My wife has been involved in a—"
"A tragedy?" A smooth, cold voice cut through the air.
Grant spun around. Luca Moretti stood at the end of the hall, leaning against a vending machine, his suit jacket open, his eyes flat and devoid of warmth.
The color drained from Grant’s face. The DA, the man who preached about the rule of law, looked like he had seen a ghost. "You. What are you doing here?"
Luca walked forward. Every step was a countdown. "I’m here to make sure your wife doesn't die. Something you clearly failed to do."
"She had an accident," Grant spat, though his voice wavered. "She fell. It’s a storm. The roads are—"
"She was beaten," Luca said, his voice carrying clearly to the stunned staff in the lobby. "Don't insult my intelligence, Grant. It’s the only thing you have left."
Grant surged forward, his finger pointing at Luca’s chest. "You have no place here! You’re a criminal! I’ll have you arrested for obstruction!"
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Luca grabbed Grant’s finger, his grip like iron. He leaned in, whispering so only Grant could hear. "If you take one more step toward that door, you won't be arrested. You’ll be dismantled. Your career, your reputation, your little political ambitions—they are made of glass, Grant. And I am the stone."
Luca shoved him back, his eyes burning. "She isn't your property. And she is never going back to your house."
