Shadows of Power

Sam's POV

The courtroom is a spacious, well-lit chamber with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light. The wooden judge’s bench stands at the front of the room, flanked by the American flag and the state seal. Behind the judge’s bench is a wall covered in a deep red velvet curtain, which serves as a backdrop for the court proceedings.

The gallery is filled with people, some of whom are dressed in business attire, while others wear casual clothes. Lawyers sit at tables on either side of the room, surrounded by stacks of papers and briefcases. The jury box, where the jurors sit, is to one side of the room, with a large wooden railing separating them from the gallery.

The judge’s bench is adorned with a microphone and speakers, and a stenographer sits at a small desk to the side of the room, typing away on a keyboard. The air is tense, and everyone in the room is quiet, waiting for the judge to make a ruling. And there I am in the middle of it all, my sanctuary.

“Your honor, based on the evidence presented, it is clear that my client is not guilty,” I say confidently, my heart racing as I wait for the judge’s response.

After what feels like an eternity, The judge’s gavel strikes the wooden block with a resounding thud, silencing the courtroom.

“The court finds the defendant, Mr. Jameson, not guilty on all charges,” the judge declares, his voice echoing through the room.

I feel a rush of excitement and disbelief wash over me as the verdict is read out. After all the hours of preparation, the long nights poring over legal documents, the endless rehearsals in my head – it has all led up to this moment. And we have won.

The courtroom erupts in cheers and applause, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I have done it. I have won the trial.

Turning to my client, Mr. Jameson, I see the expression of relief and gratitude etched on his face. “Thank you,” he whispers, his voice choked with emotion.

I turn to him, and my lips curve upwards into a wide smile, my chest swelling with a sense of pride and satisfaction. "You're welcome," I say, "We did it together."

As we make our way out of the courtroom, I am surrounded by congratulatory messages and handshakes from colleagues and well-wishers. It feels like the entire world is celebrating our victory.

I step outside into the cool evening air, feeling the sun setting on my back. The sky is painted in oranges and pinks, and a gentle breeze blows through my hair. It is as if the universe is celebrating my victory.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes, savoring the moment. The sound of a camera clicking makes me open my eyes, and I see a group of reporters gathering around me.

“Ms. Sam, how does it feel to have won such a high-profile case?” one of them asks, shoving a microphone in my face.

I smile at the reporters. “It’s an incredible feeling,” I say, my voice steady despite the excitement coursing through me.

“Justice has been served today, and I’m honored to have been a part of it.”

With that, I turn and walk away, leaving the reporters behind. I have done my job, and I have done it well.

I hurriedly make my way to my car, trying to ignore the swarm of photographers snapping pictures and shouting my name. After what feels like an eternity, I finally get into my car and drive off, feeling the relief wash over me.

As I arrive at my office building, I am welcomed by my assistant with a bouquet of flowers in her hands.

“Congratulations, Miss Sam! You nailed it!” she says, beaming at me.

I smile back, feeling grateful for her support. “Thanks, Emily. It feels good.”

I follow her inside the building and make my way to my office. As I plop down at my desk, Emily hands me a sheet of paper.

“Here’s your schedule for the day,” she says, smiling.

“Looks like you have a meeting with the financial advisor of St. Matthews hospital.”

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a twinge of concern. What could it be this time? I think.

“Alright, set an appointment for 5 in the evening and cancel any other appointments for the day.”

“Okay, Miss.”

I pull into the hospital parking lot, my stomach churning with anticipation. I step out of my car and make my way towards the entrance, but I have an uneasy feeling about coming here.

I barely take two steps inside the hospital when Grey, the chief financial adviser, stops me. He is a tall, imposing man with a stern expression and a domineering aura.

“Sam,” he says, his voice cold and business-like. “I need to speak with you.”

“Yes, you set an appointment with my assistant.” I say, trying not to sound irritated.

“This way.”

I followed him to his office. I have only had a few interactions with Grey before, and they have all been brief and to the point. I wonder what could be so important that he has to call me into his office or even set an appointment.

As soon as we are inside, I take a seat opposite him. Grey gets straight to the point. “Sam, I need you to increase the cost of patients’ treatment.”

I am taken aback by his request. “What do you mean?” I ask, confused.

“I mean that we need to raise the cost of treatment for our patients,” Grey says. “We’re not making enough money, and we need to increase our revenue streams.”

“Oh, okay, that’s not a problem.” I say, letting out a sigh of relief. “I will get the documents by Monday morning.”

“There’s no need for that.”

“Huh?”

“I mean we can increase the cost, but you would have to make the documents exactly like I tell you.”

My throat feels dry, I lick my lips, and keep my gaze away from his. I am scared to see his eyes.

I hesitate. “But how do we justify that? Won’t it be unethical to raise the cost of treatment without proper documentation?”

Grey shrugs. “We can always find a way to justify it later. Right now, we need to focus on bringing in more revenue.”

I shake my head. “I can’t do that, Grey. It goes against my ethics. I won’t compromise my integrity for the sake of making more money.”

Grey’s expression darkens. “Sam, I’m disappointed. You know as well as I do that we’re facing tough times. We need to do what it takes to keep this hospital afloat and of course my pocket. Are you really going to put your morals ahead of your job?”

Grey has always been tricky and so far I have been able to come to common grounds with him on these matters but today seems different.

“I’m sorry, Grey. I can’t do that.”

Grey shakes his head. “Then I’m afraid we’ll have to let you go. I can’t have someone on my team who isn’t willing to do what it takes to keep this hospital running.”

I am shocked.

“you’re making fun of the hospital when I can clearly see it’s not, that’s really low of you, you know that right?” I say with a stern voice. “Besides, this isn’t your decision to make.”

“I know.” He says as he puts his hands in his drawer and pulls out an envelope and tosses it to me.

I pick up the envelope and open it.

“How did you get these?” I say with my hands shaking.

“There is nothing I can’t find, and there is nothing I can’t get.”

“So, are you in or out?.” Grey asks.

The contents of the envelope could destroy me and everything I have worked for but if I agree to his terms, thousands of people would suffer and all for what? I think within myself.

“I can’t.” I reply silently.

“Oh, okay.” He says as he picks up the telecom on the table. “Yes, you can send the bar the email now.”

“Wait, what?!”

It is too late. I am still trying to understand what happened when my phone started to vibrate. It is Emily.

“Hello?” I say picking up the call.

“You need to get over here right now. The boss is going crazy.”

“What’s wrong?” I say trying not to show the terror in my voice.

“I don’t know, but he is not happy.”

“I’m on my way.”

I stand up from the seat. “Why are you doing this?” I ask almost in tears.

“I’m sorry, Sam.” He says making a pouting face. “But I’m done begging you for anything, you may leave.”

My face is bright red, I can feel the heat in my breath, and I storm out of the office. As I walk down the hallway, I feel the walls closing in. Although the halls are well ventilated, I can feel my breath getting thinner.

“Give her some space.” Is all I keep hearing.

As I slowly open my eyes, the beeping sound of the heart rate machine fills my ears, bringing me back to reality. I turn my head to the left, my vision slowly adjusting to the bright light above me, and see a tall man wearing a white coat standing beside my bed, his eyes focused on the monitors. Just then, a lady dressed in blue scrubs walks over to my bed, her kind eyes meeting mine as she checks the IV line in my arm.

“Doctor, she is awake.” She says.

“Hey.” He says. “I’m Dr. Ryan, you fainted, but you will be fine.”

“I need help… my life… the hospital… my job, everything.” I say as tears flow down my face.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he says, trying to calm me down. “Take small steps, you need to rest first, okay?”

I shake my head vigorously. “I can’t, I have to do something before it’s too late.”

I try to push myself up with all my might, but his hands firmly hold me down. Panic spreads through my body, and I feel the sweat drenching my clothes. The nurse approaches me with a needle, and I know what's coming next. I try to fight it, but the drugs start to take effect, and my body begins to relax against my will. I feel my eyelids getting heavy, and everything slowly fades away into a deep, dark void.

Ryan's POV

As I walk through the bustling hospital hallway, my eyes catch a glimpse of a stunning woman passing by. Her flowing black hair dances around her shoulders, perfectly complementing her elegant corporate attire and the click of her heels echoing through the corridor. But I can't afford to be distracted by her beauty; I have a mission to accomplish.

I swiftly enter one of the hospital rooms, scanning the surroundings for a lab coat. Spotting one hanging on a hook, I snatch it and put it on, instantly blending in with the medical professionals bustling around me. My heart races with a mix of excitement and apprehension as I clutch the clipboard tightly in my hand, pretending to be engrossed in the paperwork.

As I step out of the room, my attention is drawn back to the mysterious lady I had glimpsed earlier. I see her collapsed on the floor, her face pale and her body trembling. Conflict stirs within me as I debate whether to aid her or sti