t hub for the afflicted. It roared with the noise of hundreds of conversations, the

massive suitcases flanking her like sentries. She had just seen the ambulance off to the intake b

The nurse behind the high counter di

the nurs

to speak with Dr. Colli

ssion was a mix of boredom and irritat

ambulance transfer from Boston, her co

pointing a pen toward the back of the room. "

r jaw tightening. "This isn't a general

is is a hospital. Everything i

ny. The truck with the rest of her things had blown a tire in Qu

ped into the phone.

of the lobby seemed to swell, pressing against her te

en she saw

th fluid precision. They were cutting through the crowd like a s

d see the cut of his suit was bespoke. He wasn't

set of brass elevators mark

l schematics online. They led directly to the executive

her brain. It was reckle

her onl

. She didn't walk; she ran. The wheels clat

someone

aimed for the gap in

A bodyguard, built like a vending machine,

. The man in the suit stepped inside

n Ste

journals. The sharp jawline, the dark hair, the eyes that looked

yguard's massive shoulder, "you shouldn't let your

hifted. They lo

The noise of the lobb

ases, the white-knuckle grip on the medical file. His gaze was clinical, dissect

doors began t

t a surge

aced it against the rubber bumper

bodyguard. The wall of

voice was a deep baritone, smooth a

y cases. They bumped over the threshold, th

sed, sealing

sive sandalwood cologne. Harper was breathing hard, her chest heavi

id, not looking at her. "Explain why

y about her grandmother. Men like this didn't car

r said. The words tumbled out fast but clear. "I analyzed the hospital's public 990 forms and cross-referenced them with his research output. He doesn't need a m

properly for the first time. There was a flick

or with financial rest

g an asset," H

ed onto a plush hallway that looked

d out. He did

r heart sink.

ant-stopped. He turned and handed Harper a card. It

urmured, voice barely audible. "He appreciates

ingers brushed the assistan

the corridor. He moved with the arrogance o

ed at the number. Under the name,

d: Hunte

e floor-to-ceiling glass. He watched the tiny figure o

e. He typed a message

hy she looks like she's re