Chapter 4 - The Emergency Ward
Steam billowed from the radiator as Julian guided the dying station wagon into the emergency bay of St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital. He killed the engine, which rattled and died for good, and swung out of the car.
He scooped Amy and Leo into his arms, bursting through the automatic sliding doors into the bright, sterile emergency triage. ""I need a doctor! My four-month-old has a severe fever and is slipping out of consciousness!""
Triage nurses moved instantly, swarming around Amy. A pediatric charge nurse lifted Leo out of the carrier, peeling back the swaddle. ""Temperature is 104.8. His skin is mottled. Page Dr. Keller immediately. We need an IV line and an ice bath.""
Amy collapsed onto the plastic waiting room chairs, her formal gown torn and stained with baby milk and soot. Her body shook with delayed shock. Julian knelt before her, clasping her freezing hands.
""He's in good hands now,"" Julian murmured, though his own eyes were red with unshed tears. ""I’m so sorry, Amy. I should never have brought you to that house. I should have protected you both.""
""She watched him suffer,"" Amy whispered, staring blankly at the wall. ""She watched him burn with fever and commanded me to pour coffee. She isn't human, Julian.""
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Before Julian could answer, the hospital entrance doors slid open again. Two city police officers strode in, accompanied by Eleanor’s sleek personal attorney, Harrison Cole.
""Julian Vance?"" the lead officer asked, unhooking a notepad from his belt. ""We have a report of vehicular theft and reckless endangerment of an infant filed by Eleanor Vance.""
