n the bed, her skin a terrifying shade of blue. A junior resident was performing chest c

the doctor, vanished. In her place was just

resence that immediately took control. "Get out of t

assessment. "She's in cardiogenic shock. Massive pulmonary edema. Get m

nternist, stammered, "Dr. Walters, s

d, his voice echoing with an authorit

to action, galvani

She watched as Barrett, the man who had tormented and humiliated he

to Barrett's side, ready to assist. Barrett glanced at him, a flicker of their earlier animosity pr

th to stifle a sob. Tears streamed down her face, b

weak, rhythmic beep returned to the monitor. W

hand over his face, leaving a streak of sweat. He t

manding surge

her, his large frame shielding her from the curious eyes of the staff. He knelt, his movements stiff.

ords rough with emotion. "She'

tears, and nodded, a violent, wracking sob escaping her lips. He held her gaze for a second longer, a silent vow pa

in the doorway, watched the scene with eyes narrowed in pure, venomous jealousy. Dr. Lynn watched t

her bedside, holding her mother's limp hand. Bar

ound her voice.

ted to a cardiac echo image. "Severe mitral stenosis. Her va

back in. "She needs a valv

e all business again. "She's too frail for open-he

in her chest withered and died. "So

fied, tear-streaked eyes, and the professional mask cracked. He

t," he said, his voice low and firm. "I'll do a transca

s still considered experimental for the mitral valv

atients," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I have the highes

The tyrant who belittled her, the lover who punish

rolled down her cheek.

she'd used his first

tear away, but stopped himself. His

rting to its usual cold command. "We'll

t as he passed under the harsh fluorescent lights of the hallway,

-