The crimson light above the ER stayed lit for five agonizing hours. The hospital didn't wait for the deposit to clear. When her body suddenly gave out, multiple organs failing all at once.
Dr. Reed filed for emergency intervention. The hospital, on humanitarian grounds, rushed her into surgery. But the scheduled time had passed, the reserved equipment was gone, and everyone knew the odds were slim.
When they handed me the consent form, my hand shook so violently I couldn't grip the pen. "I'm not a direct relative. The hospital can't reach her son."
Dr. Reed's gaze dropped to the blood seeping through the gauze on my leg. His voice came out thick and heavy. "Sign the acknowledgment first. I'll take full responsibility."
I dialed the last number and said only one thing. "Callum, if you d
