Chapter 4 - THE ORDER SHE COULD NOT IGNORE
Avery’s replacement device activated.
A secure voice entered her earpiece.
“Colonel Sloan, command requests status.”
She looked toward Elaine.
Her mother remained unconscious.
The heart monitor continued its steady rhythm.
Avery stepped into the hallway but kept the glass ICU doors within view.
“Personal emergency at civilian hospital. Secure equipment compromised by physical impact. Replacement received.”
“Are you capable of continuing?”
Avery glanced at the blood on her sleeve.
“Yes.”
Harold overheard only her side of the conversation.
“Who are you talking to?”
Avery ignored him.
The voice continued.
“Your presence may be required in Washington within the hour.”
Avery closed her eyes for one brief second.
Her mother could wake up.
Or she could die.
Avery had spent years choosing duty while her family accused her of abandonment.
Now the choice stood in front of them.
She answered carefully.
“Requesting twenty minutes for medical-family assessment.”
“Granted.”
The line disconnected.
Natalie approached.
“You’re leaving?”
“I may have to.”
“Mom could wake up.”
“I know.”
Harold shook his head with bitter satisfaction.
“There it is. The great Colonel Sloan running away again.”
Avery turned slowly.
“I left a secure federal command meeting because Mom collapsed.”
“You always have an excuse.”
The lead military officer stepped forward.
“Sir, Colonel Sloan was transported here under emergency authorization.”
Harold looked at him.
“I wasn’t speaking to you.”
“No,” the officer replied. “You were insulting an officer who came here despite active national obligations.”
The hallway went quiet.
Avery did not enjoy seeing her father humiliated.
She only looked tired.
Natalie noticed for the first time how deep the shadows beneath Avery’s eyes were.
“How long have you been awake?” she asked.
“Thirty-one hours.”
Mason stared at her.
“You came here without sleeping?”
Avery looked through the glass at Elaine.
May you like
“She’s my mother.”
👉 Avery had crossed states to reach Elaine—but someone in the family had been telling the hospital that she was not permitted to make medical decisions.
