Chapter 7 - The Staircase
Daniel told hospital administrators that Elena had become aggressive and was attempting to flee without medical approval.
It was a lie, but it created confusion.
While Tessa contacted Elena’s doctor, Margaret took the envelope and walked quickly toward the lobby.
Elena saw her through the open door.
Despite the pain in her abdomen, Elena followed.
“Margaret!”
The older woman accelerated toward the short staircase.
Daniel caught up and grabbed Elena’s arm.
“You are going back to your room.”
“Let go of me.”
“You’re making yourself look unstable.”
Elena pulled free.
Patients and visitors turned to watch.
Margaret reached the top of the steps and pushed the envelope beneath her jacket.
“Give that back,” Elena said.
Margaret looked down at her.
“You should have signed the papers.”
Elena started up the staircase.
Daniel moved behind her.
What happened next took less than three seconds.
Margaret shoved Elena’s shoulder.
Daniel did not catch her.
Instead, he stepped aside.
Elena lost her balance and fell several steps, landing hard at the bottom.
The lobby filled with screams.
The fall did not cause a severe visible injury, but pain tore through Elena’s healing body. She could not stand.
Tessa rushed forward with another nurse.
Daniel blocked them.
“Don’t touch her!” he shouted. “She attacked my mother!”
Margaret began to cry.
“She tried to steal my documents,” she said.
Elena stared up at them in disbelief.
They had created their story instantly.
Daniel pointed toward the ceiling cameras.
“The cameras are broken.”
Then Luis appeared from the side corridor.
He moved first to Elena, pretending to check whether she was conscious.
As Tessa argued with Daniel, Luis pressed something into Elena’s palm.
A tiny black memory card.
“Camera Seven recorded everything,” he whispered.
May you like
Elena closed her fingers around it.
When Daniel noticed, his performance collapsed.
