“Thanks, Doctor,” Emily said.

Sarah glanced at Richard, then took off her glasses to look him in the eye.

“Michael’s waiting out in the main corridor,” Sarah said.

“He wants two minutes with you before he goes back to the regional command center.”

Richard got up from the wooden chair and smoothed the front of his gray work shirt.

He squeezed Emily’s shoulder once and felt the faint warmth through the cotton gown.

“I’ll be just outside the door,” he said.