Chapter 20
The steady beeping of the heart monitor was the first sound Caleb heard as consciousness slowly returned. His eyelids felt impossibly heavy, as though weighted with lead, but he forced them open, blinking against the sterile white lights above. A dull, thudding pain echoed in his skull, and his mouth felt dry as sandpaper.
For a few disoriented seconds, everything was a blur—the accident, the screeching tires, the blood, the screams.
Then: Kassia. And Chicago.
Caleb jolted upright, gasping for air. Pain lanced through his chest, forcing a strangled cry from his throat. A nurse rushed into the room.
"Easy—easy, Mr. Mysia," she said gently, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "You've been unconscious for nearly eighteen hours. You're in the ICU."
"Kassia," Caleb rasped. "Where is she?"
"She's alive," the nurse replied. "Stable. Still unconscious, but responding to treatment."
"And Chicago?" he asked, anxiety tightening his voice.
A shadow passed across the nurse's face. "Still in surgery. She coded twice. The doctors are doing everything they can."
Caleb's eyes closed, his features twisting with anguish. "I was driving... I—"
The door opened abruptly, and Cain entered, his expression grim, eyes sharp. "Nurse, give us the room," he said quietly.
She nodded and exited.
Cain approached the bed, arms folded. "You remember anything?"
Caleb nodded slowly. "We were driving down Hudson. Kassia was in the passenger seat, Chicago was in the back. Then... I noticed a black car. It came out of nowhere and hit us. I tried dodging it, even switched lanes, but it followed and rammed into us again. The impact forced us off the road. We somersaulted... that's all I remember."
He paused. "How are Kassia and Chicago?"
Cain exhaled. "Kassia's still in the ICU. Stable. She's holding on."
"The nurse told me Chicago is critical," Caleb said, his voice breaking as he began to sob.
"She'll pull through," Cain said, placing a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. "She's strong. A fighter."
Just then, Charity entered the room, her eyes filled with tears. "My baby," she breathed. "Finally, you're awake."
"Yes, Mum," Caleb said weakly.
"How are you feeling? Are you in pain? Is this room okay?" she asked, flustered.
"Mum, calm down. I'll be fine."
Cain quietly stepped out of the room, just as a police investigator approached him in the hallway.
"Mr. Cain?" the officer asked.
"Yes, is there any news?" Cain replied.
"We've identified the man who was tailing your brother's car. Here's his photo. Do you recognize him?"
Cain studied the image and shook his head. "No. I've never seen him before."
"We heard your brother is awake. We need to question him."
"Alright. Let's go."
Inside, Caleb looked up as they entered. Charity, protective and on edge, stepped forward.
"Your brother just woke up. Who are you?" she asked sharply.
"I'm detective Kenneth," the detective replied calmly. "We just have a few follow-up questions. We need to understand what happened. The other victims haven't regained consciousness yet."
"He's clearly not strong enough—are you blind? Come back another time," Charity said to Detective Kenneth.
"Mother, please—it's okay," Caleb said gently. "I'm strong enough."
Detective Kenneth nodded and stepped forward. "Can you tell us everything that happened that day?"
Caleb recounted the events as best he could. When the detective showed him a photo of the suspect, Caleb's expression darkened.
"Yes. That's the man who tried to rape Kassia—the night in the alley," he said, voice tight with memory. "He was arrested. I haven't heard anything about him since."
"He was released on bail," Kenneth explained. "CCTV footage shows him bumping into your car. His name is Darius King."
"Have you searched his apartment?" Cain asked as he reentered the room.
"There's already a team there," Kenneth confirmed.
Moments later, Caleb's best friend, Williams, entered the room, with Christy beside him.
"Caleb, finally," Williams said, relief washing over his features.
Charity stepped forward. "Gentlemen, please. No more talk of investigations. Let Caleb rest."
Kenneth and Cain nodded and stepped out, leaving the room to Williams and Christy.
Charity turned to Christy. "Where's Kassia's mother?"
"She went home to change," Christy replied softly.
"Oh. Okay," Charity murmured.
Out in the hallway, Cain turned to the detective. His voice was cold, resolute.
"Detective Kenneth, I want that man arrested. If he's not caught by Monday, and I happen to see him first—whatever happens after that, I won't be held responsible."
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Author's Note
Hey lovely readers,
I've been updating consistently over the past week, and I know the last few chapters have been especially emotional and intense. Writing them took a lot out of me—and I imagine reading them might have, too.
Chapter 19 and 20, in particular, was heavy with trauma and heartbreak, but it also carries hope, resilience, and the fierce love of a mother fighting for her child.
I'd love to hear your thoughts—what did you feel while reading this chapter?
Thank you so much for sticking with me through this journey.
Your support means everything.
With love,
CC
XOXO