Chapter 7 - The Arrest
We didn't confront her in the hospital hallway. We waited.
Two hours later, Leo was finally stabilized. A real, court-admissible blood test was rushed through the lab by a doctor outside of Eleanor's payroll, confirming Leo was 100% Marcus's son, and his blood was cleanly compatible for a transfusion.
While Marcus sat by Leo's bedside holding his hand, I walked down to the hospital's executive boardroom. Eleanor was sitting at the head of the mahogany table, sipping sparkling water, likely plotting her next move to challenge the will.
I pushed the double doors open.
"You have no authorization to be in here," Eleanor snapped, standing up.
"I'm not here for a meeting," I said, stepping aside.
Two uniformed Atlanta Police officers and a plainclothes detective walked into the room.
"Eleanor Vance?" the detective asked, flashing his badge. "You are under arrest for the attempted murder of a minor, child endangerment, and felony fraud."
Eleanor scoffed, a nervous, high-pitched laugh escaping her lips. "This is absurd! I am a pillar of this community! I demand to speak to the hospital chief of staff!"
The detective pulled out an iPad and hit play. Eleanor's voice echoed through the boardroom. "Here you go, little one. Drink it all up."
The color drained from her face, leaving her looking hollow and old. Her meticulously crafted mask completely shattered.
May you like
"Put your hands behind your back, ma'am," the officer ordered, pulling out a pair of steel handcuffs.
For the first time in four years, Eleanor had nothing to say. She was dragged out of the hospital she thought she owned, right through the main lobby, in front of dozens of doctors, nurses, and patients.
