Chapter 6

Sabistan

She said nothing. 

She just stared at me like she heard a ghost speak.

I had expected questions or at the very least, the desperate bargaining of someone with nothing left to lose. Someone that truly would love to revenge all those that had put her in the position.

Instead, she sat there with those eyes fixed on me, turning the offer over in her mind like a blade, she wasn't sure which end to hold.

Well the silence didn't unsettle me because I had sat across from far more dangerous people in far higher-stakes rooms. But something about the way she held it was different, not from weakness, but from pure, disciplined calculation.

“I can't take the offer. I can't allow myself to be messed up again the second time. Thank you for all of these but…”

I could see the pain in her eyes but still I needed her truly but beyond that I want something more.

"Look! I can give you your life back," I assured her.

“I mean everything they took from you. Your name, your career, your whole life Liliana . You can make the people responsible pay” 

She just stared at me, I could tell she knew something wasn't right. But I wasn't ready to tell her yet that the McCallums cost me something I can't recover and I intend to return the favor.

I rose from the chair, adjusting my cuff. "I know you are still shocked but I truly want to help and you don't have to decide now. Take the time you need."

I picked up my phone from the side table and as I headed for the door.

I could tell she was still staring at me.

That showed my offer sank deeply and she was thinking about it.

As I stepped into the corridor, I found Caleb immediately walking towards me.

"She doesn't leave this floor" I said, my voice low and final. "And nobody comes into that room. Not anyone who claims to be her family. Not even law enforcement without a warrant I haven't personally reviewed. I mean no one." I held his gaze. 

"Make sure the front desk understands what I mean too when I say no one."

Caleb nodded once. He knew better than to ask questions in a hallway.

****

Downstairs, my driver was waiting as I got in to the car without saying a word.

I had a meeting in forty minutes with my team, a kind of work plan I had been building for months. Tonight was simply the next move on a board I had been arranging long before Liliana Lewiston had collapsed on a pavement and handed me the final piece.

After my meetings my mind reeled towards Lilliana. I know she was probably convincing herself she was better off alone.

But she was wrong. The McCallum family wasn't a family she could conquer without dominance and power and I understand she wouldn’t really want to be with someone like me who was already a part of the McCallum orbit. But I hope she truly sees beyond that.

My thoughts were interrupted as my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen.

A message from Caleb

Someone already came asking for her. Claimed to be a family friend. She showed no ID. Left when we said she wasn't registered under that name. She wanted to know if the baby was still alive and if the lady was in a good condition.

Meanwhile she is free to be discharged tomorrow with some drug prescriptions already available for her and her baby.

I stared at the first part of the message for a long moment. 

Who would have gone to the hospital and how did they know she was there?

I just slipped my phone back into my pocket as I headed for my room. 

I have had a stressful day and it's time to get into bed and call it a night.

***

It was 6:00 am in the morning and I was still fast asleep when a call came in from Caleb.

I checked the small clock on the small table by the side of my bed.

A call by this time of the morning?

I immediately reached for my phone because it had better be worth disturbing my sleep.

“Hello” I sounded quite sleepy.

“Uhhh, Mr. Sabistan”

I didn't seem to understand his tone as I immediately sat up waiting to hear what he wanted to say.

“I did all you asked, I had let no one see her, I had instructed....”

“Get to the point, Caleb. I don't have much time.”

“The lady is missing. When I…I got to her room to give her a check up first thing this morning as I checked into the hospital for my shift. She wasn't there. I have checked all over. She is nowhere to be found, sir.”

“What did you just say?” The shock hit my chest like electric waves.

“I am so sorry sir. Please show mercy”

I hung the call as I couldn't believe my ears

Shit!

I rushed out of bed as I began putting on my clothes.

Was Liliana playing a game with me now?

She couldn't have gone far without money and obviously couldn't have walked so far with her bad legs.

I needed to get to the hospital, I needed answers. How she could have walked past the reception without anyone knowing. 

And Caleb really had some explanations to do because I can't let her slip off my hands. 

I rushed downstairs to my car with my driver still trying to put himself together for the new day's work.

“Take me to the hospital and make it fast.”

Thoughts kept reeling through my head as I couldn't just tell what Liliana could be thinking to take such a decision.

Not considering her state

Not considering my child

I must find her at all cost

No where to hide, Liliana