Chapter 3

The paramedics were fast, their faces grim as they assessed Mike.

"Massive abdominal trauma, possible internal bleeding, and... what's this on his leg?" one of them said, examining the bite. "Looks like a Brown Recluse. Nasty. We need to move, now."

As they wheeled him out, the other paramedic was on the radio. "We've got a severe envenomation, likely Loxosceles reclusa. Confirming availability of antivenom. Patient is Michael Miller, resident here."

A crackle in response. "Antivenom is likely at Sterling Wing, Mercy General. Heavily funded by Sterling Innovations. They had a minor incident with an exotic pet there last year, an employee of Mr. Vance's, I believe."

The first paramedic cursed under his breath. "His own wife's company. That's something, at least."

They reached the ambulance. Just as they were about to load him, Vicky's sleek black car screeched to a halt, blocking their path. Julian was in the passenger seat, looking pale but smug.

Vicky stormed out, her face livid. "What is the meaning of this? I told that delivery boy to leave him alone!"

One of the paramedics stepped forward. "Ma'am, your husband is in critical condition. He has a Brown Recluse spider bite and needs antivenom urgently. We believe it's stocked at the Sterling Wing."

Vicky laughed, a harsh, ugly sound. "A spider bite? He's making that up! He's always been a hypochondriac. He's just trying to ruin my evening."

"Ma'am, we're medical professionals..."

"I don't care what you are!" Vicky cut him off. "He's not getting access to my company's resources for his little dramas. If he dies, he dies! I'm tired of his theatrics."

Her eyes, cold and hard, met Mike's briefly. He saw no flicker of concern, only annoyance.

"Now, get out of my way. Julian needs peace and quiet. We're going to the Sterling Wing for his sympathetic flu, he's feeling dreadful."

The paramedics looked at each other, stunned.

"We have to take him to the nearest ER with antivenom then, but the Sterling Wing is the closest and best equipped for this specific envenomation," one argued, desperation in his voice.

Vicky gestured to a security guard who had emerged from her car. "Don't let them onto hospital grounds if they try to follow us to the Sterling Wing. Julian needs his rest. No disturbances."

The ambulance, sirens silent for a moment, was physically blocked. Mike, drifting in and out of consciousness, heard Julian's faint, theatrical cough from Vicky's car as they swept past the ambulance and towards the exclusive hospital entrance.

He saw Vicky glance back, her expression unreadable, before she disappeared inside with Julian.