The Paralyzed Man's Revenge

Echoes in the Highlands

"My name is Marcus Thorne," the man repeated, his voice heavy and dripping with arrogance. He placed his black briefcase on the small table, right next to Arthur’s empty IV bottle. "I represent your father, Mr. Alistair McAlister."

"Alistair doesn't have a lawyer; he only has guard dogs," Arthur hissed, his eyes never leaving Marcus's every move. "What do you want?"

Marcus smiled, the kind of smile that never reached his eyes. "Your sharp tongue hasn't dulled even though you're in a wheelchair, Arthur. I'm here to discuss Lily's future. This medical facility... I find it inadequate for her trauma. Mr. Alistair has prepared a more 'private' place for her in the highlands."

"Private? You mean a prison?" Arthur gripped his bedsheets. "Tell that bastard he will never touch Lily again."

"This isn't an offer, Arthur. It's a notice," Marcus said, pulling a document from his briefcase. "Sign this, and you will receive a monthly allowance sufficient to live comfortably as... an ordinary citizen. If not, Lily's custody will be forcibly revoked through legal channels."

"You think I'm afraid of a law my father bought?" Arthur asked in a low tone. "I know about the Sterling Investigation Group. I know about the 'Evelyn’s Charity' fund. Tell Alistair that if he tries to take Lily from me, I'll make sure all of Glasgow knows how he launders his money."

Marcus's smile froze. He stared at Arthur as if he had just grown a second head. "How did you... that's impossible."

"Get out," Arthur commanded. "Before I lose my patience."

Marcus withdrew his document, his hand trembling slightly. He looked at Arthur once more, full of suspicion, before finally turning and walking out without a word. As soon as the door closed, Arthur called out to the system.

System, report status.

[Warning: High stress detected in target Alistair McAlister. Encrypted communication network active.]

On the top floor of the McAlister Enterprises building in Edinburgh, gray fog enveloped the sturdy window panes. Alistair McAlister stood with his back to his desk, staring out at the gloomy cityscape. In his hand, a cell phone vibrated.

"What do you mean he knows about the charity fund?" Alistair’s voice was heavy, carrying a crushing authority.

"I don't know, sir," Marcus Thorne's voice sounded panicked over the phone. "Arthur mentioned Sterling and Evelyn's Charity. He sounded very certain. He is no longer the desperate, paralyzed young man we discarded in Glencoe."

Alistair fell silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the fog. "Angus McGregor died this morning. His neck was snapped in his own apartment. You think that's a coincidence?"

"Angus is dead? But who could have done it?"

"That's what makes me wary, Marcus. Arthur is supposed to be paralyzed, yet he possesses information that could destroy our reputation," Alistair cut the call unilaterally. He dialed another number. "Evelyn, to my office. Now."

The office door opened just seconds later. Evelyn Vance entered in a hurry, her beautiful face looking tense. "Alistair? What happened? Julian said Arthur did something at the hospital."

"Your son is right to be afraid, Evelyn," Alistair turned, looking at his wife coldly. "Arthur knows about your business. And Angus McGregor was just found dead. Someone is either cleaning up tracks or hunting."

Evelyn covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes widening. "But... how is that possible? Arthur is just trash in a wheelchair!"

"Trash that starts to stink must be burned immediately," Alistair hissed. "I want him finished tonight. Don't use our people. Use your underground connections. Arthur must not leave that hospital breathing."

"I understand," Evelyn nodded quickly, her hand fumbling for the phone in her bag. "I have someone known as 'The Cleaner.' He never fails."

"Do it now," Alistair commanded. "I don't want any more echoes from the past in these highlands"

Back at Glasgow General, the night air felt far more ominous than usual. Arthur sat on the edge of the bed, trying to move his legs, which now felt stronger thanks to the ongoing system integration. Lily was still asleep in the next cubicle, but Arthur had a feeling that something bad was about to happen.

System, provide environmental analysis.

[Threat Detection: Foreign object entering a 50-meter radius. Movement patterns do not match medical staff profiles.]

"Just as I thought," Arthur whispered. "They won't let me live after my bluff to Marcus earlier."

[Suggestion: Use remaining points to upgrade 'Shadow Perception' or leave the location immediately.]

"I can't take Lily out now without drawing attention," Arthur stared at his legs. "We have to face it here."

Suddenly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. The light in the corridor, visible through the gap under the door, dimmed slightly. Arthur heard the sound of cart wheels, quiet, far too quiet for a typically noisy medical cart.

System: Threat is at the door. Combat mode standby.

Arthur's room door creaked open slowly. A tall man wearing a white doctor's coat entered. His face was covered by a surgical mask, and his eyes were cold, devoid of any expression of life. He carried no medical chart. In his right hand, he held a large syringe filled with a clear liquid that shimmered under the night light.

"Time for a routine checkup, Mr. McAlister," his voice was raspy.

He stepped toward Arthur's bed with highly efficient movements. He didn't know that Arthur could see the black mist beginning to emanate from his fingertips.

"Doctor, I think you have the wrong room," Arthur said in a deadly calm tone. "That medicine... I think it's better suited for you."

The man stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing slightly. Without warning, he lunged forward, aiming the syringe directly at Arthur's neck with a speed impossible for an ordinary human.