Chapter 3 - The Broken Seal
Julian moved faster than he ever had, ignoring the persistent throbbing in his temples as he tore across the foyer and wrenched the heavy glass door open. Rain sprayed across the threshold, soaking the lapels of his tuxedo.
""Lockbox for Ellie Vance,"" the courier shouted over the howling wind. ""From St. Jude’s Specialty Care!""
""Give it to me,"" Julian commanded, taking the frosted container. He slammed the door against the storm and hurried back to Teresa and Ellie. Hope flared violently in his chest. ""Teresa, open it. Quick!""
Teresa scrambled with the electronic keypad on the lid, punching in the digits Ellie’s mother had texted earlier. A sharp click sounded. The lid popped open with a hiss of cold mist.
Julian leaned over, expecting rows of clear glass ampoules nestled in thermal foam.
Inside the box lay shattered glass.
A milky, concentrated fluid pooled at the bottom of the container, mixed with fractured shards of custom ampoules. Only a single syringe casing remained intact, but the glass barrel was splintered down the center, its precious contents leaked away into the padded lining. The courier must have lost footing or crashed along the flooded detour.
Teresa let out a strangled sob, burying her face in her apron. ""No... dear God, no...""
Julian felt the world drop out beneath his feet. He turned toward Ellie. The little girl had leaned back against the bottom step of the grand staircase, her eyelids fluttering. Her small chest rose and fell in rapid, erratic rhythms.
May you like
""Julian?"" a soft, melodious voice called from the top of the marble stairs.
Julian looked up. Standing on the landing was Clara, his bride, wearing a cascading lace wedding dress, looking down at him with confusion and blooming horror.
