Chapter 9 - THE EMPTY HOSPITAL ROOM
Victor reached the hospital in less than ten minutes.
Ethan’s room was empty.
The blanket lay on the floor.
A nurse had been found unconscious inside a supply closet.
Security footage showed a man wearing a doctor’s coat carrying Ethan through a service elevator.
His face was hidden by a mask.
But his wristwatch was visible.
Victor recognized it.
He had given that watch to Jonathan Crane on his tenth anniversary with the Blackwood family.
Lily stared at the screen.
“He took Ethan.”
Victor’s voice was almost inaudible.
“He will bring him to the lake estate.”
Isabella turned.
“How do you know?”
“That is where the ceremony was supposed to happen.”
Victor’s men prepared vehicles.
Lily stepped toward him.
“I am coming.”
“No.”
“I know Serena’s plans.”
“You stay here.”
“She will expect you.”
“She may not expect me.”
Victor looked at her.
“You have already risked enough.”
Lily’s voice sharpened.
“Ethan is missing because I failed to expose Serena sooner.”
“I am not staying behind.”
Victor studied her for a moment.
Then he handed her a small communications device.
“Stay beside Marcus.”
“If I tell you to leave, you leave.”
They drove north through heavy rain.
At Blackwood Lake Estate, Jonathan Crane carried Ethan into the main hall.
The baby was drowsy but conscious.
Serena entered through a side door.
Crane stared at her.
“I thought Victor locked you up.”
“He locked a guard with me.”
“I convinced him to change sides.”
Crane looked nervous.
“This has become too dangerous.”
“It became dangerous when you missed Lily.”
Crane set Ethan into a small crib.
“I want the rest of my money.”
“You will receive it after Victor signs.”
“He will never sign.”
Serena smiled.
“He will when he sees his son.”
Crane looked toward the windows.
“What about Rosa?”
“She is alive.”
Serena’s eyes flashed.
“Then fix that mistake.”
Crane stepped back.
“I am not a killer.”
Serena laughed quietly.
“You forged the documents.”
“You arranged the kidnapping.”
“You helped plan Victor’s death.”
“You crossed that line months ago.”
A car’s headlights appeared through the rain.
Serena looked down at Ethan.
“Your father is here.”
Then she turned to Crane.
“Prepare the chapel.”
“Tonight, Victor Blackwood is going to marry me.”
May you like
“And before sunrise…”
“He is going to die.”
