For a heartbeat, no one spoke.
Dr. Richard looked from Alex to Jonathan to the gurney where Linda lay, then back toward the direction of the ICU.
“I don't understand," he said slowly. “I was called back tonight to operate on a critically ill child. That was the agreement. Now I arrive, and two different patients are being presented to me as urgent. Which one is the original case?"
“It's her," Jonathan said at once, nodding toward Linda. “Ms. Green. The hospital director updated you, didn't he? Her condition is serious. She can't wait."
Emerie took a step forward. “You mean he paid you," she snapped. “Let me guess—he mentioned a donation? A 'special request'?"
Dr. Richard frowned. “The director told me there was a change in priority," he said carefully. “He said there was another patie
