Chapter 6 - The Diagnosis
Dr. Rossi, the syndicate’s underground surgeon, packed up his stethoscope with a grim expression. Victor stood in the hallway outside Sofia’s bedroom, his heart hammering against his ribs.
“It’s not just asthma, Boss,” Dr. Rossi said in a hushed tone. “It’s advanced pneumonia, compounded by years of untreated respiratory distress. Her lungs are failing. She needs a private hospital, specialized care, and a sterilized environment. If she stays here, she’ll drown in her own fluids within a week.”
“Make it happen,” Victor ordered. “Buy a private wing at St. Jude’s if you have to. Cost is irrelevant.”
“I’ll make the calls,” Rossi nodded, hurrying down the stairs.
Victor pushed open the heavy oak door. Sofia was lying in the massive four-poster bed, an oxygen mask over her face. Lucia was curled up next to her, holding her mother’s limp hand.
When Victor entered, Lucia looked up, her eyes swimming in tears.
“Is my mama going to die?” she asked, her voice breaking.
Victor walked over, sitting on the edge of the mattress. He wrapped his massive hand around Lucia’s tiny one.
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“No,” Victor vowed, swearing a blood oath to a seven-year-old. “I promise you, Lucia. I will not let anything happen to her.”
Lucia uncurled from her mother’s side and crawled into Victor’s lap, burying her face in his tailored jacket, sobbing. Victor wrapped his arms around the child, resting his chin on her head. He closed his eyes, realizing with terrifying clarity that he loved them. Both of them.
