He had not seen me behind the door yet.

I closed the door firmly behind him with my foot, the latch clicking into place.

He spun around, his face hardening as he saw the barrel of my weapon pointed directly at his chest.

“Get out of the way, Colonel,” Brandon said, stepping forward.

“Take one more step, and I will put you down,” I said.

My voice was quiet, but it carried the weight of twenty years in command.

He stopped.

Emily shrank back into her pillows, clutching the thin hospital blanket to her chin.

“You’re interfering in family business,” Brandon said, his hands rising slightly.

“My daughter is my business,” I said.

The side door to the bathroom opened, and Dr. Reeves stepped out, holding a set of keys.

He looked at Brandon, then at me, his face pale.

“The transport team is at the service elevator,” Reeves whispered.

“Let’s go,” I said.

I kept my eyes on Brandon, my weapon steady.

“Move to the corner,” I ordered him.

He glared at me but complied, backing up toward the window.