Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 300

Theodore had just arrived at the hospital. After parking his car, he picked up the container of soup he’d brought and headed into the inpatient wing.

He barely made it to the elevator lobby before a group of men in black t-shirts closed in around him. Each one was tall and broad-shouldered, their presence radiating quiet menace.

“Who are you?” Theodore bristled, immediately on guard.

“Mr. Whitman.” One of the men, clearly the leader, addressed him coldly.

“How do you know me? What do you want?” Theodore’s suspicion only grew.

“Mr. Whitman, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave. You’re not allowed past this point,” the man replied, his tone flat and uncompromising.

“And what gives you the right to stop me?” Theodore’s patience snapped. “This is a public place! You think you can just do whatever you want?”

“Apologies, sir. So far, we haven’t done anything wrong. We’re simply following the wishes of the patient’s family—they don’t want her rest disturbed.”

“Family? You mean that guy?” The thought of Emma’s self-appointed protector made Theodore grit his teeth. “Who does he think he is? What right does he have?”

“Please mind your words, Mr. Whitman. We have shown you every courtesy. If anyone’s being disrespectful, it’s you—and actions have consequences,” the guard replied smoothly, though the bulging muscles beneath his sleeve left little doubt that they were ready to enforce their warning.

“What, you think you can rough me up? This is a country of laws!” Theodore looked around, the circle of men tightening. Their arms flexed, but he refused to show any sign of fear. Surely, even thugs like this wouldn’t dare start something in broad daylight, in the middle of a hospital.

The lead bodyguard shook his head. “Of course not, sir. We’re professionals, civilized and polite. We’d never cause a scene in public.” The unspoken threat hung in the air—they wouldn’t lay a hand on him here, but elsewhere might be a different story.

At nearly six-foot-three on average, these men formed an impenetrable wall. No matter how Theodore tried to maneuver, it was clear he wasn’t getting onto that elevator.

Emma stared at the message. She wasn’t sure what “won’t let me up” meant, nor did she care to find out. Her reply was brief:

Grandma’s already eaten. There’s no need.

Almost immediately, Theodore replied:

Emma, do you really want to involve Grandma in this? No matter what’s happened between us, she’s always treated me well. Am I not even allowed to show her a little kindness? Even ordinary friends would visit each other when they're sick.

Emma typed back without hesitation:

We’re not even ordinary friends anymore. Strangers—that’s the best I can offer you. Grandma doesn’t want to see you either. Please don’t come to the hospital again. When she’s discharged, we’ll finalize the divorce.