The request came at dawn.
I was in my private office reviewing Justin’s latest bloodwork when the intercom buzzed.
“Patient Halderman is demanding to speak with you, Doctor. He says it’s urgent.”
I leaned back in my chair, a slow smile curving my lips. Demanding. Even strapped to a bed and pumped full of my chemicals, he still tried to demand.
“Tell him I’ll come when I’m ready,” I said calmly. “And add another ten minutes to his wait for every word of complaint.”
I made him wait forty-three minutes.
When I finally entered his room, Justin was sitting up against the raised bed, wrists still lightly restrained, the hospital gown barely covering his massive frame. The black veins had receded further, but the poison still lingered in the shadows under his eyes. He looked like a caged go
