Dominic’s POV

By the time I reach the hospital, the hallway outside intensive care smells of antiseptic and panic. Reporters have already found their way in.

A nurse blocks my path. “Family only.”

I flash a badge that doesn’t exist anymore. “I’m his attorney.”

Stanley lies half-propped on the bed, wrapped in too-white sheets. Tubes curl from his arms like translucent vines. The monitor beside him blinks slow, steady.

“Dominic.” His voice is a rasp, thin as air.

I pull the ...