My CEO 281

281 Henry and the Call (Jayden)

The hospital lights are harsh, sterile, and the hum of machines fills the air. It's become background noise to me at this point. I sit in the chair next to Henry's isolation room, staring at him through the glass.

His tiny body is hooked up to so many tubes and wires that it makes my heart ache just to look at him. I wish I could touch him.

Feel his tiny hand grip my finger.

The nurse said they've identified the virus, started him on antivirals. But it was still touch and go, and Henry is still in isolation.

All I can do is sit here and wait, feeling completely useless about everything. Winona included.

"Jayden?" The doctor's voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up, trying to focus.

"Doctor, I didn't expect to see you here so late."

"I'm afraid Henry isn't the only infant with this virus now. It's been a very long day."

"Mine too. Do you know where the virus came from?"

"Not exactly, that's why isolation still stands. But we'll track it down eventually."

"How is he really, Doc? I mean don't sugarcoat it. I need to know."

He pats my shoulder. "Your boy is quite amazing really. We've seen some very good signs today," he says, his voice calm and reassuring.

I let out my breath.

"His vital signs improved, and the antivirals are working. It's still early, but things are stable."

I nod, feeling a small wave of relief wash over me, but it's not enough to ease the tension fully. "How long until we know for sure?"

give any false hope. "We'll need a few more days to see

swallowing the lump in

lean back in the chair, running a hand through my hair. My thoughts go to Winona, and my chest

The kids, Henry,

words keep echoing in my head. She said Winona wanted to marry me more than anything in the world. None of this makes any sense. Winona wouldn't just abandon us,

my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out, expecting

10

+25 BONUS

and

It's an unknown number.

answer, but something in my gut tells

"Hello?"

I feel a

voice comes out rougher than I intend. "Where the hell are

she says, her voice quiet, almost hesitant. "I

I snap, my anger bubbling to the surface, "You disappeared on our wedding day, Winona. What the

the other end, and I can hear

hitting me. "Cass? What do you

call. She's been kidnapped, and I have to go to Mexico to get her back,

and I'm silent for a moment, trying to process what she Kidnapped?

everything." she says quickly, her voice tense. "They're demanding a ransom tonight, and I'm the only one who can deliver it." "You're not going to Mexico alone," I state, already standing up from the chair. "Where are

in the U.S.," she admits. "But I'm about to cross the

hell you are. Jesus

"I'll be okay, Jayden."

go there by yourself. This isn't some

worse.

this

do this together.

"Jayden-

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