Chapter 10 - A Father's Vow
Twenty minutes later, the SUV pulled into the subterranean garage of a high-security penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan. The heavy steel gates closed behind them, locking out the world.
Andrew carried Ethan out of the vehicle and into the warm, carpeted living room of the penthouse. A female doctor was already waiting, stepping forward to examine the tired, shivering boy.
"He's suffering from mild hypothermia and exhaustion, Mr. Whitman, but otherwise he's healthy," the doctor reported gently after a quick assessment. "He needs sleep and warm food."
Ethan sat on the plush sofa wrapped in the blanket, his eyes heavy with sleep, but his small hand still reaching out, refusing to let go of Andrew’s jacket sleeve.
Andrew sat down on the edge of the sofa beside his son. He leaned down, placing a warm, gentle hand over the boy's small fingers.
"You're safe here, Ethan," Andrew whispered softly. "Nobody is ever going to hurt you or take you away again. I promise you that."
Ethan looked up at the fearsome man whose name had brought terror to the city, feeling only absolute warmth and security. "What about my mom?" the boy asked, his voice trembling with sleepiness.
Andrew’s hazel eyes hardened into dark, unyielding steel as he looked toward the window, where the Chicago rain washed over the city lights.
"I'm going to bring her back," Andrew said, his gravelly voice carrying the absolute, terrifying weight of a father’s vow. "And the men who took her are going to learn what happens when they touch my family."
May you like
Ethan nodded softly, his eyes finally closing as exhaustion claimed him, his small head coming to rest peacefully against his father's knee.
Andrew remained motionless in the quiet room, holding his son close, as the war for his family began.
