Chapter 14 - THE HOSPITAL AMBUSH|
At 2:00 AM, the 6th floor of Mount Sinai Hospital was quiet.
The private security guard stationed near the elevator turned his head as a man in a heavy coat stepped out into the hallway.
"Sir," the guard said, stepping forward, his hand resting on his radio belt. "Visiting hours ended at eight. This floor is restricted."
Beck didn't answer. He lunged forward, slamming his shoulder into the guard’s chest, throwing him off balance against the wall.
Beck sprinted down the corridor, checking the room numbers frantically.
602... 604... 608...
He stopped outside Room 612. Through the glass window, he saw Imara sitting up in bed, holding a small pink bundle against her chest, fast asleep.
Beck’s hand trembled as he reached for the brass door handle.
CLICK.
Before he could push the door open, a heavy hand grabbed him by the back of his collar and slammed him violently against the hallway wall.
Julian Vance stood over him, his face a mask of iron fury, flanked by two towering security guards.
"You really don't know when to quit, do you, Beckett?" Vance growled, holding Beck pinned against the wall.
"That's my daughter in there!" Beck spat, struggling against Vance's grip. "She's my blood! You can't keep me from her!"
"You surrendered your rights the night you put your hands on her mother," Vance said softly, his dark eyes burning into Beck's.
Sirens wailed in the street six floors below.
The elevator doors slid open, and four uniformed police officers rushed down the hall with their weapons drawn.
"Beckett Hail!" Officer Davis shouted. "Step away from the door! You are in violation of your bail conditions!"
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Beck looked at the glass window one last time. Imara had awakened, her gray eyes staring at him through the glass with absolute, unyielding coldness. She didn't scream. She didn't panic. She simply reached down and covered her baby’s ears.
The police tackled Beck to the floor, forcing his arms behind his back as the steel handcuffs snapped tightly around his wrists once more.
