Chapter 2The Ghost in the O.R.

The surgery was a success. My parents and Sarah were beaming with joy.

"I heard the donor was about Sarah's age," Dad said. "What a noble kid."

Mom nodded. "Yes. Brought in by the police. Likely a line-of-duty death."

"A tragedy. But her parents must be so proud."

"I wish we knew who she was," they sighed. "We’d visit her grave to say thank you."

Then, Mom’s face darkened. "That Chloe... she has no heart. Today was Sarah’s big surgery, and she didn't even bother to show up."

"She’s probably too busy with that shady job of hers. She didn't even call."

Dad sneered. "Ideally, we’d never hear from that embarrassment again."

Sarah scoffed from her bed. "Who needs her? I hope she stays away forever."

Just then, their phones buzzed.

"Dr. Miller? The board has voted. You are the new Chief of Surgery."

It was the Hospital Administrator. It was the promotion Mom had chased for years.

Then Dad’s phone rang. "Sir, the city contract just came through. The company is saved."

They hugged Sarah, ecstatic. "Sarah, you are our lucky charm! The moment your surgery succeeded, everything turned around!"

The small VIP room was filled with laughter and celebration.

Meanwhile, in a quiet room at the precinct, there was only the sound of stifled sobbing.

My Captain and my squad were holding a secret memorial for me. Because the cartel still had active members, they couldn't risk exposing my family by making my death public.

The Captain held my urn, his shoulders shaking.

"My girl... my brave girl..."

He had recruited me. He was more of a father to me than my biological one.

The Police Chief patted his shoulder. "She saved this city. We will make sure her family is taken care of."