Footsteps echoed across the marble tiles of the foyer as the front door swung open.

Two paramedics wheeled a stretcher through the entry archway, followed closely by Officer Miller, his black leather belt clinking with gear.

“In here,” I called out.

Paramedic Dave, a broad-shouldered man with graying hair, dropped to one knee beside us and unzipped a navy blue medical bag.

He looked at Toby’s arm, then up at me with a quick, sober nod.

Charles immediately stepped into Officer Miller’s path and raised one hand to stop him from moving toward the dining room nook.