Chapter 109: Shadows and Secrets

The hospital bustled with controlled chaos. Thankfully, the men hadn't been armed, and the makeshift weapon Mariana had thrown – a rusty iron rod dredged up from the depths of the barbeque stall's forgotten corner – had proven surprisingly effective in fending them off. Now, under the watchful eyes of a concerned doctor, Hailey endured a thorough examination. Each wince drew out sympathetic sighs from Mariana and Daphne, who sat by her bedside, a silent vigil against the lingering ache in their own muscles. Detective Charles, after asking Hailey a series of questions about the attack, excused himself to speak with Officer Miller. Their conversation was hushed and there was a sudden shift in the demeanour of Detective Charles. His face, previously etched with concern, hardened into a mask of grim determination. With a curt nod to the women, he announced, "Something's come up at the station. I'll need to step away for a bit." Mariana, assuming it was an emergency requiring his immed