Tears spilled over her lower lids, running down her pale cheeks and sliding under the collar of her hospital gown.

“I heard the men out in the hall talking about the sheriff’s department.”

“The local sheriff has no authority inside this building,” Richard said.

“You don’t understand what Ethan can do with one phone call,” she whispered, her voice shaking so hard the paper sheet beneath her crinkled.

“Yesterday he told me what he’d do if I ever tried to leave.”

“What did he tell you?” Richard asked softly.