CHAPTER 127
The following morning, Arianna rose early and instructed the caregiver to watch over Charlie attentively. With her large backpack slung over her shoulder, she headed towards The Xtreme Hotel.
The medical conference was strictly private, and stringent security measures were in place. Arianna had spent the entire night studying the layout and knew that sneaking in was nearly impossible.
The meeting room could only be accessed via a card-swiped elevator, with no chance of waiting by the doors unnoticed.
Considering her options, Arianna reasoned that the most plausible encounter with the "Saint John" would be at the elevator entrance. It was the inevitable route he would take to reach the conference room.
At that moment, she had to rely on her instincts to identify who the "little saint" might be. Once she confirmed his identity, she could move forward with the next phase of her plan.
Upon reaching the elevator entrance, Arianna scoped out a discreet corner and retrieved a long-range video camera from her backpack. She set it up carefully, adjusting the lens to focus on the elevator doors.
The conference was scheduled to begin at ten in the morning, so attendees began arriving around nine.
Many doctors arrived with their own assistants or security personnel, and groups of people entered together. Arianna remained vigilant, watching closely and recording everything as she awaited any sign of the person she sought.
However, as the clock struck ten and the meeting commenced, no new faces appeared. Arianna's eyes were weary from hours of surveillance, and she hadn't been able to identify the elusive "Saint John" among the attendees.
With a sigh of frustration, Arianna retrieved her video camera and began reviewing the footage. She meticulously scrutinized each person, hoping to spot any familiar traits or hints.
Suddenly, she noticed a figure that seemed vaguely familiar. Without hesitation, Arianna paused the playback and zoomed in for a closer look.
The man was dressed in a casual shirt and trousers, sporting large-framed glasses and exuding a gentle demeanour.
Recognition suddenly struck her - it was Dr. Alan Woods, the doctor she had encountered while abroad. His typical white coat attire had initially confused her.
She would have never guessed that a doctor from a small emergency department would be invited to such a prestigious medical conference.
A glimmer of hope appeared in Arianna's eyes as she pondered the situation.
Even though she still didn't know who "Saint John" was, the unexpected presence of Dr. Woods at the conference felt like a stroke of luck, maybe even divine intervention.
Certainly, Dr. Woods, with his caring demeanour and their past connection, could offer some insights about the enigmatic figure she was searching for.
Arianna brushed off her previous weariness, a slight smile forming on her lips.
Dr Woods had been her saviour in the past, and now it seemed he might be again.
The medical conference stretched on for hours. Arianna had arrived early that morning, skipping breakfast and any refreshments, focused solely on her mission. She meticulously packed her equipment and stepped out to a café across from the hotel. A simple sandwich and a coffee later, she returned swiftly, determined not to miss any opportunity.
Back at her post near the elevator entrance, Arianna set up her video camera again and resumed monitoring the feed from earlier. Time passed slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity as she waited for the conference to conclude.
Finally, after several hours, there was a stir at the elevator entrance.
The meeting was ending!
Arianna swiftly stowed the video camera in her backpack, stretching her limbs to ease the tension that had built up during hours of surveillance. As soon as Dr. Woods emerged from the elevator, she was prepared to approach him.
Having changed her phone and number upon returning home, Arianna had lost touch with Dr. Woods. She focused intently as the elevator descended, her gaze fixed on the doors.
When the elevator signalled its arrival with a chime, Arianna's attention sharpened. The doors slid open, revealing a group of doctors stepping out into the lobby. Among them, Alan stood out with his youthful demeanour and distinctive appearance.
Spotting him immediately, Arianna called out, “Dr. Woods!” She began moving purposefully toward him.
Before she could reach him, a swarm of people suddenly flooded in from the hotel lobby. Men, women, and children alike were all shouting desperately, “St. John, where are you? Please have mercy and help us…”
Each of them seemed to have loved ones suffering from illnesses or were grappling with their health issues. They had all converged here upon hearing that the little saint would be at the medical conference.
Their cries were so poignant that Arianna's voice was drowned out. The crowd grew dense and chaotic, everyone pushing towards the doctors who had just exited the elevator. Arianna found herself caught amid this throng, unable to get anywhere near Dr. Woods.
The situation was overwhelming. Arianna was effectively blocked and had no opportunity to approach Dr Woods amidst the tumultuous scene.
The scene unfolded before her like a frenzy of fans chasing after their idols.
It quickly spiralled into chaos. The group of people seeking medical attention was frantic—red-eyed and shouting fervently for the little saint. The doctors found themselves hemmed in, unable to move amidst the desperate crowd.
Hotel security rushed to the scene, forming a human chain to create a pathway for the doctors to exit safely. A waiting bus had been positioned at the entrance, ready to whisk the doctors away to prevent further harassment.
Despite the pandemonium, Arianna, small and agile, manoeuvred through the throng, determined to reach Alan. She called out his name repeatedly, trying to make herself heard over the clamour.
