{MICHAEL}
Husband.
This morning was the first time Gianna called me that without derision, with something close to sincerity in her eyes. And I want to hear it like that again. Over and over.
I want her to come up to me without hesitation next time, to press her sweet kiss on my lips instead, not just my cheek. To make that happen, I push aside all my other work the moment I get to the office and start looking into failing hospitals near the house. It takes four grueling hours to find one that meets my exacting standards, and another hour to dig up the building's blueprint online.
I study the layout carefully, nodding as I trace every corridor, every exit, every potential vulnerability. In my mind, I'm already installing security cameras in blind spots, positioning men at strategic entrances, and implementing biometric locks in restricted areas. Then I run through scenarios of potential threats—Aldo's men, Carlo's pathetic soldiers, unknown enemies…
