Chapter 5: Caught Red-Handed
323 words
The smell of stale urine and antiseptic hit Elena the moment she sprinted onto the third floor of Golden Horizons. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She clutched her tote bag tight; inside, nestled in the stuffing of a frantic-looking teddy bear, was a tiny lens. If the administration wouldn't tell her the truth about the bruises, the hidden camera nursing home laws be damned—she would see it for herself.
She reached for the handle of Room 312, but a hand clamped down on her shoulder around the strap of her bag. Heavy. Possessive.
“In a rush, Ms. Vance?”
Elena spun around. Marcus Thorne loomed over her, his silver hair catching the fluorescent hum of the hallway lights. He smelled of expensive cologne and predation.
“I’m here to see my grandfather,” she stammered, trying to pull away.
“Of course. But first...” Thorne’s other hand dipped effortlessly into her open tote bag. He didn't search; he knew exactly where to grab. He pulled out the teddy bear, ripping the seam open with a violent tug to reveal the black plastic cube inside.
Elena’s blood ran cold. “You went through my bag when I was signing in.”
“Property management rights, my dear.” Thorne tossed the bear into a nearby trash bin, pocketing the camera. “And this? This is an invasion of privacy lawsuit waiting to happen. Recording patients without consent? Recording staff?”
“He’s my grandfather! He’s hurt!”
“He is a resident under my care. And you are a liability.” Thorne stepped closer, his voice dropping to a silk-wrapped razor. “Attempts to spy on private medical facilities are felonies in this state. I could have you arrested right now.”
Elena trembled, small and ragged in her oversized sweater compared to his bespoke Italian suit.
“I want to see him,” she whispered.
Thorne smirked, checking his gold watch. “Briefly. Before the police arrive to take a statement on your... espionage.”
End of Chapter 5
