Chapter 16 - Into the Fire
Time seemed to freeze as Cordelia lunged forward with the razor-sharp scalpel pointed straight at Della!
Della’s maternal instincts kicked in with powerful force. Instead of shrinking back, she grabbed a heavy metal IV pole standing beside her and swung it with all her strength!
CLANG!
The heavy pole struck Cordelia hard across the arm! Cordelia screamed as the scalpel flew from her hand, bouncing across the linoleum floor.
"You miserable bitch!" Cordelia roared, tackling Della to the floor!
Della fell backward, using her hands to shield her stomach as Cordelia scrambled over her, reaching frantically for the fallen blade.
"Help! Somebody help!" Della screamed, using her legs to push Cordelia off!
Outside the locked corridor, the two security guards were beating against the reinforced glass doors with their heavy flashlights. "Miss Della! Stand back!"
One guard pulled his service weapon and fired three armor-piercing rounds into the electronic lock mechanism!
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The heavy glass doors burst open! The security guards rushed into the hallway, instantly tackling Cordelia’s two male accomplices to the ground!
Cordelia grabbed the scalpel from the floor, her eyes wild with murderous desperation. She lunged toward Della one final time—
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the far end of the hallway were kicked off their hinges with volcanic force!
Royce Calloway charged into the corridor like an unstoppable demon!
Having seen the emergency security alert triggered on his phone during the summit, Royce had driven across the city at breakneck speed, breaking every law to reach her.
"Cordelia!" Royce’s voice roared like thunder!
Before Cordelia could touch a single thread of Della’s clothing, Royce reached her. He grabbed Cordelia by the collar of her hoodie and hurled her across the hallway!
Cordelia’s body slammed violently into the wall, sliding down into a senseless, dazed heap on the floor!
Royce dropped to his knees beside Della, his face pale with sheer terror, his hands shaking as he gathered her into his arms. "Della! Della! Are you hurt?! Did she touch you?!"
Della clung to his suit jacket, sobbing hysterically as the adrenaline drained from her body. "Royce... oh God, Royce! She tried to... she tried to hurt the baby!"
Royce pulled her tightly against his chest, burying his face in her neck, his body shaking with overwhelming relief. "I've got you... I've got you, my love. You're safe. I'm here."
He looked over at Marcus, who had just rushed in behind him with five armed guards.
"Secure Cordelia," Royce ordered, his voice dropping to a icy, lethal whisper that frightened even his own men. "Put her in iron chains. Call the Federal Director of Prisons personally. If she ever leaves a maximum-security solitary cell again, I will personally pull down their entire department."
"Understood, Boss!" Marcus growled, violently handcuffing the half-conscious Cordelia.
Doctor Evans lay on his knees near the wall, weeping in shame. "Mr. Calloway... please! They kidnapped my wife and six-year-old daughter! Cordelia said she would kill them if I didn't forge that medical letter!"
Royce looked at Doctor Evans. His anger softened slightly, understanding the desperate actions of a father protecting his child.
"Marcus," Royce called out. "Send Team Alpha to Doctor Evans' home immediately. Rescue his family."
"Team Alpha is already at his house, Boss," Marcus reported via his earpiece. "His wife and daughter have just been rescued safe and sound. The captors are neutralized."
Doctor Evans collapsed into tears of gratitude, bowing his head to the floor. "Thank you... thank you, Mr. Calloway! I am so sorry!"
Royce paid no attention to him. He gently lifted Della up into his arms, carrying her like a treasure down the hallway toward the main hospital wing, where a team of top doctors was waiting to ensure she and the baby were completely unharmed.
An hour later, in the private suite of the hospital, the head obstetrician completed a full ultrasound examination.
"Mr. Calloway, Miss Marsh," the doctor announced with a warm smile. "The baby is completely fine. Her heartbeat is strong, her position is perfect, and there are zero signs of distress. Miss Marsh suffered no physical trauma."
Della let out a deep, beautiful breath of relief, looking at the clear ultrasound image of her baby girl sleeping peacefully on the monitor screen.
Royce sat on the edge of the bed, holding Della’s hand, kissing her bandaged knuckles tenderly.
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"No more hospitals," Royce whispered softly, looking into her eyes with pure, unyielding devotion. "No more dangerous cities. From now on, only peace."
Della smiled, reaching up to stroke his cheek gently. "With you, Royce... I am always at peace."
