Chapter 5

"I'm sure."

No hesitation on the other end.

"I was on the west road with Sori when the accident happened. How could I possibly be wrong about where he is?

"Why are you even asking?"

Her voice sharpened instantly:

"Don't tell me you took the wrong road."

I gripped the wheel. "No."

A long exhale from Elise.

"What about Sori? How is he?"

"Got him out. Emergency bleeding's been controlled. Taking him to the hospital now."

"Thank God..." The relief in her voice made it sound like all the strength had left her body.

I heard people on her end rushing to steady her:

"Ms. Elise, you're injured yourself — you shouldn't be monitoring the field operation like this."

"Santiago is the best driver and rescue specialist on the team, and he's out there saving his own kid. You should have faith in him."

"Exactly. You've lost so much blood. Please, just rest."

Elise's voice was faint: "I couldn't relax until I knew Sori was safe."

"They're not wrong about Santiago and Elise — everyone says they're the real deal. I believe it now."

The voices on her end blurred together. I stopped being able to make out the words.

The truck flew along the mountain road. My hands locked around the wheel.

I bit down hard on my back teeth.

My wife had risked her own safety to monitor every move I made — not for our son. For another man's child.

I pressed my earpiece. "Honey, I'm taking Sori to the hospital now. Is there anyone else on the other road?"

A pause on her end. "No. There isn't."

My chest went cold. I let out a short, quiet laugh. "Then I'm heading straight to the hospital."

"Good. Move fast. That kid can't wait."

I hadn't thought Elise would go this far for Renato's child.

I ended the call and drove Sori directly to the nearest hospital.