Chapter 98: Betrayals and Bargains at Auburn Memorial
The sterile corridors of Auburn Memorial Hospital buzzed with an undercurrent of tension. The sharp scent of disinfectant mingled with the metallic tang of fear in the air. Dr. Ann Astor's crisp white coat rustled as her eyes, sharp and discerning, took in the scene before her. Farid's, his cheek reddening from a guard's slap, hunched protectively beside Amina, even with the tormenting pain. The same security guard flexed his fingers again, readying for another swing.
"Who," Dr. Ann's voice cut through the chaos like a scalpel, "is Bayo?"
Amina's lips parted, words forming on her tongue, but before she could utter a sound, the guard lunged forward. His meaty fist whistled through the air, aimed squarely at Amina's face. In a blur of motion, Farid threw himself between them, taking the full brunt of the blow again. He staggered back, coughing violently, his eyes watering from the impact.