2 The Promise

November 1993

Damien didn't expect that the promise he made would come into play so soon. While he had immediately reported Richard, the FBI was unable to track him down and apprehend him. Victoria had been heading to an interview even though she was eight months pregnant. Before she reached the office for the interview, she faced a drive-by shooting.

"Sir, Victoria has been shot and is being taken to the hospital right now," Secretary Allison reported to Damien.

"What?! What happened? Get my car ready immediately and inform me on the way!" Damien was shocked. This was clearly an act of vengeance by Richard. It was truly unexpected as Damien had set people up to watch over Victoria secretly and overtly through the FBI and a private security firm.

"Her condition has been reported as serious. Luckily, none of the bullets went close to the baby," Allison explained what she had learned from the hospital.

"Are you telling me that she was shot multiple times? How much longer until we get to the hospital?" Damien was impatient and terrified for Victoria. He couldn't imagine losing his best friend to something so preventable.

At the hospital

"Doctor, what is her condition?" Damien asked the doctor as soon as he found Victoria's hospital.

"She is in bad shape, and the injuries induced her labor. She is in the process of giving birth," the doctor replied.

"Will she be okay?" Damien was worried for the child, but he felt that the doctor was intentionally not telling him the full story on her condition.

"Honestly, I don't think she has a good chance."

"Is there anything I can do?" Damien was still suspicious and decided to try to enter her room to get a better understanding of her condition.

"You can come into the room and help be by her side as she is giving birth. She needs someone to be there for her. It is not an easy process, especially in her condition," the doctor replied truthfully. The doctor wasn't sure of the sincerity of the man in front of him. Previously, another man had said that he was the woman's husband, but the doctor was unsure because he felt like he had seen his face on tv as one of the FBI's most wanted. He had his suspicions, but he did not act on them like he should have.

"Alright, please lead the way doctor!" Damien was in a rush. He was glad for this outcome as he would get to ascertain her condition himself. As Damien walked into the hospital room, the stench of blood hit him hard. When he saw Victoria, his knees almost buckled as it was clear that she would not make it even if she did successfully give birth.

"Victoria!" Damien shouted in anguish.

"Damien! Thank god…I needed a friend at this time…and none would be better than you. I hope you haven't forgotten the promise you made last month!" Victoria saw Damien as he shouted her name.

"I haven't forgotten Vicky. I promise you that I will take care of your child. I will treat her like my own and I also promise you that I will hunt down Richard and kill him myself if it's the last thing I do!" Damien made a vow that he would keep for the rest of his life.

"I don't give a damn about Richard anymore. I only care for my baby girl! If you dare to waste any effort hunting Richard that could have been used for better purposes, I'll haunt you for the rest of your life!" Victoria was adamant.

"Fine! I won't go after Richard. Now, focus on giving birth. I'll be right here next to you the whole way," Damien said as he held her hand tightly. He knew that she needed his support now and he would make sure to do his damnedest to give it to her.

"Argghhh!" Victoria knew that she had to see her child before she left this world. She was close to giving birth to her child.

"You've got this Victoria!" Damien encouraged her as best he could.

"The baby is here!" A nurse yelled.

"Cut the cord immediately!" The doctor ordered. The nurse cut the cord to separate the mother and child.

"Let me see her!" Victoria was desperate. The nurse immediately handed the child over to Victoria carefully. Seeing her baby girl for the first time, Victoria was overcome with joy even though her situation was skirting with death. "Damien, take care of my Artemis. Her Korean name will be Kim Ha Na and her English name will be Artemis Kim!"

"I will protect Artemis with my life," Damien responded. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you and her together."

"Artemis, I know that I wasn't the best mother for you, but know that you will be always be the joy of my life. Damien is a good man and he will do his best for you. Try your best to get along with him and don't look for the b*stard who forced me to this state. I love you now and forever, Artemis!" Victoria spoke one last time to her daughter. She was starting to lose strength in her arms. Damien reached over and took Artemis into his hands. "Damien, I know you tried to protect me, but I should have instead followed you to adventure around the world when I had the chance. It's okay. I do not blame you. Take care of Artemis and yourself. Be healthy and forget vengeance for it will only breed more hate."

With tears in his eyes, Damien replied, "I understand Victoria. I love you."

"I love you too, Damien. I'm sorry I didn't say it earlier," Victoria said with her last breath.