I saw what he put in your tea.
Ryan’s hands curled once at his sides.
Then opened.
Control the room.
Control the facts.
Do not give them your anger when your anger can become their distraction.
He looked at Detective Alvarez.
“What prescription?”
She did not answer immediately.
Her eyes moved toward Caleb.
Then Patricia.
Then the NICU doors.
“Something Hannah’s OB did not prescribe.”
A cold weight settled in Ryan’s chest.
Behind them, the elevator doors opened again.
A young woman stepped out holding a pink gift bag.
She had glossy brown hair, a cream sweater, and the uncertain smile of someone who expected to be welcomed but had walked into the wrong scene.
Caleb turned.
His face changed.
Ryan saw it.
Everyone saw it.
The woman’s smile faded.
“Caleb?” she said.
Patricia whispered, “Oh, for God’s sake.”
The woman looked at the detectives, then at Ryan, then toward the restricted Labor and Delivery doors.
“I got your message,” she said to Caleb. “You said the babies might be here by lunch.”
Ryan went very still.
Caleb closed his eyes.
Detective Alvarez turned fully toward the woman.
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