Chapter 4

Outside the house, car horns blared as everyone scrambled to escape. Victor remained motionless behind the balcony glass, staring at his mother’s lifeless body beside his little sister, who was no more than three years old. He was jolted back to reality by his father’s shouts, ordering the men to search for Victor and the other kids. 

Victor’s anger consumed him, leading him to strike the glass with his hand so forcefully that it broke. His father swiftly approached, opened the window, slapped Victor, and forcefully pulled him by the hair, dragging him to the cellar and throwing him inside.

“If you had not been weak, they would not have died, but it is my fault. I allowed your mother to spoil you until I became weak and caused their deaths. Pray to the Lord that your brothers and sisters are safe so that I do not kill you with my own hands.”

“At six o’clock in the morning, an attack occurred on one of our company’s branches, and Pierre, your nephew, was injured and has been transferred to the hospital.”

“Okay, give me a few minutes. I’ll be there soon.”

***

The next day, in the residential neighborhood, as the first rays of dawn illuminated the streets, the air filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread from the local bakery. Residents began to appear, opening their small shops and restaurants, brewing coffee, selling flowers, and engaging in other economic activities. Amidst the bustling sounds of human voices, a girl’s distinct voice echoed, greeting everyone she encountered with a friendly smile as she made her way out of the neighborhood.

“Good morning, Antoine. Good morning, Marie. Have a nice day, Gerges.”

She continued until she reached the nearest point to the upscale area where one of the private hospitals belonging to the Aras Remor Company was located. Confidently, she greeted the entrance guards and proceeded to the reception area, a large circular hall. After exchanging greetings with the employees, she swiftly went to the staff elevator. 

Inside, she noticed a person of high standing, exuding strength, rigidity, and seriousness. He was engaged in a phone conversation, giving instructions without waiting for the other party to respond before abruptly ending the call.

As the elevator ascended, he stood at the back, leaning against the mirrored walls, lost in thought. He held his phone in one hand while the other remained in his pants pocket. 

When the elevator stopped on the eleventh floor, the girl stepped out, noticing the man following her. She entered the doctors’ dressing room, catching a glimpse of him heading toward the information desk. After a short while, she emerged from the room wearing a white gown and a stethoscope around her neck. She approached the information desk and greeted the staff.

“How are you? Did anything unusual happen yesterday evening?”

“Yes, Dr. Alessa. At the end of the night, a shooting incident occurred in the nearby area, targeting one of the buildings belonging to Aras Tourist Company. Fifteen guards were wounded, and they were protecting a member of the Remor family,” one of the women replied.

“Remor? The owners of the largest economic and tourism companies, hospitals, and hotels in Rome?” Alessa asked.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Were the guards the only ones injured, or was there someone else also harmed?” Alessa asked.

“There was an injured man. The guards rushed to protect him, and in the process, he fell against a large glass pane, resulting in some scratches and a deep gunshot wound in his shoulder,” the woman said.

“Which room is he in? I need to know the attending physician.”

“It’s Dr. Grammar, and he transferred the file to you an hour ago,” another employee responded.

“To me? Why?” Alessa was confused.

“We’re not sure, but it’s possible that something happened to him, and he had to leave the hospital. That’s why he entrusted the patient to you.”

“And why would that be? Am I the most distinguished or the only one without a family? Is everyone afraid of Aras Remor?” Alessa chuckled.

“Based on what we’ve heard about Pierre, Aras Remor’s grandson, I think it’s because you have no family. He’s quite the ladies’ man, and anyone who gets involved with him seems to fall in love with him and disappear. Unless he loves them back.”

“Well, aren’t you thrilled? Let’s see who disappears here,” Alessa replied sarcastically.

Alessa proceeded to the patients’ rooms, examining them in numerical order according to their examination numbers. Finally, she reached an isolated room. At the door stood four bodyguards, with strong build and armed as if preparing for war. As she approached, they scrutinized her with their eyes. With unwavering composure, she spoke up.

“Someone open the door so I can see the patient.”

Without hesitation, one of the bodyguards moved forward and knocked on the door three times before opening it. The doctor walked past them and entered the room, making her way to the bed. She grasped the hanging board, cross-referencing the information on it with the details in the patient’s file she held. Then, she approached the patient closely, examining his head wounds and asking him questions. 

With a gentle smile, she said, “You’re in excellent condition. The wounds are superficial, and your brain is intact. Frankly, you shouldn’t have been admitted here in the first place.”

A deep, authoritative voice interrupted her from behind, “We are aware of that, but he won’t be leaving for at least a week. In your report, state that he is in a serious condition and suffering from memory loss.”

She turned around, facing the speaker. It was the same person she had encountered in the elevator, now sitting on one of the chairs. His face was hidden behind his hat. One hand held a small golden chain, while the other rested firmly on his leg, veins bulging. The room fell silent, everyone’s attention fixed on him. 

With a hint of sarcasm, she responded, “Excuse me, are you the attending physician who writes the reports, or am I? Either provide me with a convincing reason to fulfill your request, or let me carry out my professional duties.”

He removed the hat from his face, adjusting his posture, and smiled again, this time exposing both rows of teeth.

“Well, write him a discharge report stating that he has fully regained his memory. Expect his return as a lifeless body within a few hours of his release.”

The girl fell silent for a moment before speaking.

“Alright, you’ve convinced me. But how long can you keep him here until the criminal who started the shooting is caught? That could take years.”