Wallace came in first, his face gray and drawn, clearing his throat twice before setting his heavy black briefcase on the corner of the desk.

Christopher stepped in right behind him, his suit jacket hanging open and his blue silk tie pulled crooked at his neck.

“We’re doubling the dose tonight, Samuel,” Christopher said, his voice clipped and fast.

Dr.

Wallace hesitated, his fingers resting near the brass latches of his briefcase.

“The legal evaluation with Arthur Pendelton is set for nine tomorrow morning.”

“I don’t care about nine o’clock tomorrow!” Christopher barked, his fake politeness gone completely.

“Look at him sitting up in that bed!”