Chapter 3 - The Broken VeilThe roar of the helicopter blades echoed across the pristine white sand beaches as we lifted off into the clear blue sky. Inside the cabin, the flight nurse worked quickly, cleaning the cut on Lily’s forehead and attaching a fetal-grade heart monitor.
“Her vitals are stabilizing, Ms. Reed,” the nurse called out over the helmet intercom. “The initial pupil response suggests a moderate concussion, but we won't know the full extent until the CT scan at Saint Jude Hospital.”
I pressed my forehead against Lily’s small knee, silent tears finally breaking past my guard. “Just stay strong, baby girl. Mommy’s got you.”
While the helicopter flew across the ocean channel, my phone vibrated in my lap. The screen flashed with dozens of incoming calls and frantic text messages from my mother, my sister, and various relatives who had seen the paramedics rush across the lower lawn.
I ignored them all, except for a single message from my head of corporate security, Vance:
“CCTV footage of the East Terrace secured and backed up on three offline servers. Local Sheriff's Department dispatched to the island via fast-craft. They will arrive in twelve minutes.”
Twenty minutes later, the helicopter touched down on the roof pad of Saint Jude Trauma Center. I stayed with Lily through the triage doors, holding her hand right up to the double glass doors of the pediatric emergency unit.
Dr. Aris, a top pediatric neurosurgeon, stepped out after forty minutes of examination.
“Ms. Reed?” Dr. Aris asked, pulling off his mask.
“How is she?” I gasped, stepping forward.
“She has a severe concussion, two cracked ribs on her left side, and a hairline fracture in her wrist where she tried to break her fall,” Dr. Aris said calmly. “The brain scan shows no internal bleeding, which is a miracle considering the height of the fall. She’s awake, though she’s groggy and in pain.”
Relief rushed through my veins so fast my legs nearly gave out. I leaned against the wall, covering my face with both hands, letting out a ragged breath.
“Can I see her?”
“She’s asking for you,” Dr. Aris smiled gently. “Room 402.”
I walked into the quiet hospital room to find Lily propped up against two fluffy pillows, an IV taped to her tiny arm, and a white bandage wrapped neatly around her head.
“Mommy?” she whimpered, her big blue eyes filling with tears the moment she saw me.
“I’m right here, baby,” I said, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling her gently into my arms, being careful of her ribs. “I’m right here. You’re safe.”
“Aunt Ashley was angry,” Lily sniffled against my shoulder. “I dropped my flower... I tried to pick it up so her pretty dress wouldn't get dirty. But she grabbed my arm and pushed me. Why did she push me, Mommy?”
A cold, unyielding fury settled in my chest, replacing the lingering fear. I kissed the top of Lily’s head, smoothing her blonde curls away from her bandage.
“Because she’s a coward, sweetie,” I whispered softly. “But she is never going to hurt you again. I promise you that.”
My phone buzzed on the bedside table. It was Marcus calling from the island.
“Ms. Reed,” Marcus said, his voice tense over the line. “The police have arrived at the villa. Your mother and sister are making a scene in the main lobby, demanding that we open the gates so the wedding ceremony can continue. Carter Montgomery’s father is asking to speak with the owner.”
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I looked at my daughter, who was drifting off to sleep under the influence of the pain medication.
“Put Mr. Montgomery on the line,” I commanded.
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