Page 76 of Rules of Engagement

"I'm going to stay here now."

"I thought you might say that. I can stay with you or Dad can."

"No, it's all right, really," I said, waving her away. "You've done enough. I'm just going to sit in the room and use my laptop before I get some sleep."

"Call me if you need anything else," said Mom. "Time to pack up," she called.

"I'm staying," said Lily. "No arguments."

"I can stay a while too," said Jord. He sniffed and pulled a face. "Or until the diapers run out."

"You should both go home," I told them. "I don't think a baby should be here right now. Plus, all I'm going to do is sit here. There's nothing to help with, really."

Lily and Jord exchanged a look that was so loaded, even I could interpret it. They didn't want to go but they knew I had a point. Just to drive that point home, I added, "Plus, if Duncan O'Malley is so unsafe, do you really want the baby here?"

"No," conceded Lily.

"Which is why Lily and Poppy are both going home," said Jord. "Lily, you know it's more sensible."

I reached for the changing bag that was deposited under the chair. "I'll walk you to the elevator," I said, standing up and giving them both a little push as a doctor strolled past. "You can fuss over me in the morning."

"I will be here with breakfast and coffee and those little donuts you like," said Lily. "I can bring magazines too and anything else you need."

At the elevator I hugged them both, my heart dipping slightly when they stepped inside. I gave them a half-hearted wave as the doors closed and walked back to the room. Delgado, Fletcher, and Flaherty stood outside. "The doctor is inside," said Delgado.

"I'll get an update," I decided. It might be exactly what I needed to feel better. "Hi, Doctor," I said, as I stepped inside. The doctor had his back to me and appeared to be checking the drip, one hand holding one of the little valves. "Is there any change yet?" I asked. "I know there might not be a lot you can tell me but any news is... news," I finished lamely.

The doctor reached into his pocket and pulled out a syringe. I looked toward the floor, waiting patiently before I began to frown. All the doctors and nurses who had passed me on their way to and from Mom's dinner table set-up wore sneakers or very unattractive, rubber slip-ons. This doctor wore a nice pair of dress shoes. Not fancy, shiny ones but something was not quite right.

In fact, it was very wrong.

"Doctor?" I said, much firmer now. "Doctor, I need an update."

The man reached for the drip tube, opening the extra line. I crossed the few steps and grabbed his arm. He twisted around and swung an uppercut, connecting with my ribs, and tossing me back onto the bed against Solomon’s legs. I let out a yelp as he knocked the air out of me. I swung back to deck him, clocking him on the jaw. Pain exploded in my knuckles when my fist connected. He shoved me backwards and reached for the drip, only much more urgently now.

I jumped on the man's back, dragging his hands from the drip and dug in my nails until he dropped the syringe. He yanked his arm forwards before driving his elbow backwards, right into me. Grunting, I clung on, straining to use my body weight to throw him off balance. When my lungs finally filled, I screamed and Delgado burst through the door.

The man stumbled backwards, knocking me into Delgado. The two of us fell into a heap, crashing against Solomon's bed and sliding onto the floor.

The man darted out the door in a flash.

I scrambled to my feet and raced after him. Fletcher and Flaherty bounded after me.

A glimpse of his white coat disappeared through the door to the stairwell. I lurched forwards. If this was supposed to be another warning, courtesy of Mooch, I fully intended to catch him and make him pay.

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