But before he could take another step toward me, a doctor stepped smoothly between us, a composed, sharp-eyed man whose name, I would learn, was Dr.

Caleb Reed.

“Mr.

Vance,” he said.

“Before you come any closer, there is a medical reality you need to know.” Julian’s face darkened.

“I’m her husband,” he said.

“Get out of my way.” And Dr.

Reed did not move, and when he spoke again, his voice had gone cold as winter.