“Hygiene protocols in a critical care setting have to be absolute.”

“Exactly,” Christopher said, turning his shoulders so both kitchen workers could hear every word.

“This is what happens when you bring lower-class help into Bellevue Crest.

Sloppy work, dirty wash buckets, and no understanding at all of the proper household order.”

Mrs.

Gable looked down at the floor tiles, while the young girl beside her kept her eyes on the silver teapot on her tray.

I squeezed my left wrist hard and felt my pulse jump under my fingers.