“No.”

Across the hall, a respiratory therapist rushed past carrying equipment.

Somewhere beyond the doors Wesley cried again, a little louder this time.

I clung to that sound as if it were a rope over deep water.

PART 4

The first officer introduced herself as Detective Hannah Mercer.

She wore plain clothes and carried a small notebook, not handcuffs.

“We’re here because hospital staff reported concerns,” she explained.