Chapter 16
24 hours later…..
TinTin remained in a state of rest, having not moved since her admission. Mike felt a growing concern that she might not possess the strength to defend herself against the Hood. Just then, Jeff entered the adjacent room, appearing visibly troubled. The toll of the past year seemed to have aged him significantly.
"Mike, what's going on?" Jeff hurriedly approached TinTin and clutched her hand. Mike let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair.
"There's been no change, she's unresponsive. The good news is that the boys are still safe. Thankfully, the lunatic hasn't made any attempts to harm them again, at least not yet." Jeff sat in the middle chair between his youngest and TinTin. Scott and Gordon were in the ICU room with John and Virgil. John was still attached to the ventilator.
Mike carefully examined TinTin's motionless form, scrutinising her lifeless features with a sense of concern and curiosity. Suddenly, her eyelids abruptly snapped open, revealing a pair of startlingly vivid yellow eyes that seemed to emanate an otherworldly glow. Jeff, who was sitting next to her, couldn't help but recoil in shock at the sight before him. The unnerving intensity of TinTin's gaze dredged up memories from a previous encounter - a time when those very same eyes had shone with determination and ferocity during a climactic showdown within the Bank of London. It was undeniable - TinTin appeared to be engaged in some sort of internal struggle, locked in a fierce battle of wills against an unseen adversary. The echoes of her past heroism resonated through Jeff's mind as he recalled the astonishing display of resilience and courage she had demonstrated while saving Alan from the clutches of the nefarious Hood.
Reacting swiftly, Mike instinctively directed his penlight towards TinTin's eyes, hoping to discern any flicker of recognition or response. Yet, rather than triggering a coherent reaction, this action inexplicably set something else into motion. TinTin's mouth began to move, forming words that were unmistakably not her own. A voice, familiar and ominous, emanated from her lips with an eerie detachment from her own identity. The unsettling proclamation that escaped TinTin's mouth sent a shiver down Jeff's spine. The voice was The Hood's, ominously announcing an impending threat upon John. The urgency and lethal intent contained within these chilling words carried an air of imminent danger that was difficult to dismiss. Now gripped by a daunting urgency, Mike and Jeff exchanged apprehensive glances. The countdown had begun - a mere twenty-four hours separating the present moment from a potential catastrophe. Determined yet unsettled, they instinctively understood that their urgent task was to decipher the enigmatic warning and take swift action to protect John Tracy from an invisible yet palpable danger that threatened his very life.
"He's coming, Mike! He's going to kill my son! I want security to be stationed around the hospital and everywhere else. I'll ask Penelope to stay on high alert!" Jeff exclaimed, jumping to his feet before rushing out of the side room to find Scott and Gordon. Upon seeing his father striding down the corridor, Scott discreetly left the area so as not to disturb a sedated Virgil. He caught up with Jeff and inquired,
"Dad? What's wrong?"
"He's coming, Scott. That lunatic is coming for John. Mike will arrange for security at the hospital, but we must also be prepared to defend ourselves," Jeff declared, leaving Scott astounded by the revelation. Scott's mind raced with fear and questions. Nevertheless, Scott knew that it was not the time for speculation. The safety of his family was at stake, and he needed to act swiftly. As they made their way towards the hospital's main security office, Scott couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety deep within him. The normally bustling corridors seemed eerily quiet, the atmosphere thick with an impending sense of danger. Reaching the security office, they found Mike already deep in conversation with the head of the hospital's security team. Jeff wasted no time in relaying the urgency of the situation, emphasising the need for enhanced security measures throughout the premises.
In the midst of their discussion, Penelope's voice crackled through Jeff's phone, startling everyone in the room.
"Jeff, I've heard everything. Consider me on high alert mode. I'll coordinate with the security team and ensure we have eyes on all possible points of entry." The tension in the room eased slightly as Penelope's assurance provided a glimmer of hope. Knowing she was at the helm gave them a small sense of confidence in the face of the danger that loomed ahead. Scott thought about Gordon, who was still unaware of the imminent threat. He needed to be informed, and quickly. With a determined look in his eyes, Scott turned to his father and said,
"Dad, we need to gather everyone together. We can't face this alone. Together, we'll protect John." Jeff's gaze met Scott's, filled with unwavering determination.
"You're correct, Scott," Jeff agreed, his voice filled with determination. "We will gather our forces and remain strong. Our family will not be harmed." With unwavering resolve, Jeff and Scott embarked on their quest to locate Gordon, their hearts resolute in their mission to protect their loved ones. As they arrived at the ICU room, Jeff discreetly motioned for Gordon to step outside. Sensing an impending event, Gordon quietly complied, knowing that something significant was unfolding.
"Dad?" Gordon questioned, concern etched across his face. Jeff took a deep breath before responding urgently,
"John is in danger! The Hood's after him. Penelope and the security team are on high alert. The next 24 hours are critical."