Chapter 9 - THE SENATOR'S DESPERATE GAMBIT
The morning papers hit the stands like a localized earthquake. *SENATOR HARRISON CALDWELL IMPLICATED IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR EMBEZZLEMENT AND ORGANIZED CRIME TIES*, screamed the front-page headline of the Chicago Tribune, accompanied by high-resolution photographs of federal agents raiding the senator's campaign office at dawn. From my desk outside Damon's office, I watched the live cable news broadcast on my secondary monitor. Senator Caldwell, looking pale, disheveled, and frantic, was being rushed past a wall of shouting reporters and flashing camera strobes into the back of a federal squad car. "He thought he could buy protection from the local cartels to cover up his campaign debts," Damon's voice broke my concentration. He stood in the doorway of his office, adjusting his cuffs, watching the screen with cold, detached satisfaction. "He forgot that in Chicago, there is only one true law, and it doesn't answer to Washington." "Will he try to retaliate?" I asked, standing up and handing him his tailored suit jacket. Damon slipped his arms into the sleeves, turning to face me. "With what money? With what men? His accounts have been frozen, his associates have fled the country, and his son is currently learning how to chop wood in the Swiss Alps. He is finished, Kate." Just then, Marcus rushed out of the private elevator, holding a secure encrypted tablet. "Boss, we have a breach at the St. Vincent's hospital perimeter," Marcus reported quickly, his eyes darting toward me before locking back onto Damon. "A couple of Caldwell's remaining loyalists made a desperate attempt to gain access to the secure medical wing where Miss Bennett's mother is recovering." My heart stopped beating. "Mom..." I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth. Damon's expression went from cold to absolutely murderous in a fraction of a second. The air in the room practically froze. "Status?" Damon demanded, his voice dropping into a lethal whisper. "Neutralized," Marcus replied flatly. "All three operatives are currently detained in our subterranean holding facility. Your mother's room was never compromised; she is sleeping peacefully under heavy guard." Damon exhaled slowly, the terrifying tension in his frame relaxing slightly as he turned his dark, blazing eyes toward me. "Kate. Get your coat. We are going to visit your mother."
