**County General Hospital — Monday, 8:46 AM**
Emerie stood in the hallway, reading the memo a third time.
**Subject: Immediate Suspension of Medical Privileges
Effective immediately, Dr. Emerie Knox is placed on administrative leave pending review.**
Complaints cited: negligence, ethical misconduct, inappropriate relationship with known criminal entities.
Her hands didn't shake. But her stomach curled tight.
Behind her, whispers.
“She's with *him*, right?"
“I heard the foundation pulled three grants."
“She was the best trauma doc here."
Emerie folded the paper and walked to her locker.
She changed out of her scrubs without a word.
No one made eye contact.
**Staff Lounge — Ten Minutes Later**
Tabitha caught her at the door. “Emerie—what the hell is this?"
“I don't know yet."
