Dateline

Chapter 14 - The Race Against Time

The convoy sped through the streets of Chicago, police sirens wailing in the distance, intentionally ignoring the heavily armored SUVs bearing the Moretti insignia. Julian’s influence ensured their path was clear.

In the back seat, Clara held Lily tight, refusing to let go. Julian sat across from them, coordinating with Dr. Thorne via an encrypted earpiece.

“The twins are crashing, Boss,” Dr. Thorne’s panicked voice crackled through the comms. “Their white blood cell count is plummeting. If we don't start the bone marrow extraction and transfusion within the hour, their organs will begin to fail.”

Julian’s jaw tightened. “Have the surgical theater prepped. We are ten minutes out.”

He looked at Clara. The realization of what they were asking of a five-year-old girl hung heavily in the air.

“The procedure,” Julian said, his voice hesitant. “It requires extracting marrow from her hip bone. It is safe, but it will be painful for a few days. Clara… if you say no, I will understand.”

Clara looked at the man who had risked everything, who had killed his enemies and nearly died himself, just to return her child to her. She looked at Lily, who was tracing the lapel of Clara’s coat.

“Lily,” Clara said softly. “The man sitting across from us has two little boys, just your age. They are very sick. But you have magic in your blood. You can save them. Will you help them?”

Lily looked at Julian, her big eyes blinking slowly. “Do they like to play with blocks?”

May you like

Julian swallowed the lump in his throat. “They love blocks. They have a whole room full of them.”

“Okay,” Lily nodded bravely. “I’ll share my magic.”

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