Dr. Rhodes snapped to her feet, chair scraping behind her. “Javier, stay with her,” she commanded, every word sharp. “Eyes on the door. If anyone tries to enter, you call security. Do not argue.”
Javier nodded, calm yet ready. “You’re not alone,” he whispered to Lily, steadying her breaths.
Outside the curtain, Dr. Rhodes moved quickly, signaling the unit clerk. “Call hospital security. Page Tasha Nguyen, on-call social worker. This is urgent. And get me the charge nurse.” The clerk’s demeanor shifted immediately—routine replaced by gravity.
At the front desk, the Caldwells appeared: Mark, broad-shouldered with a stiff, unreadable expression, and Denise, poised, hands clasped, ready to perform concern.
“We’re here for our daughter,” Denise said sweetly. “Lily Harper. We got a call she was admitted.”
Mark flashed a laminated badge. “Foster placement. Franklin County. Full authority.”
Dr. Rhodes stayed firm. “She’s stable and asleep. No visitors yet.”
Denise pressed, “We drove all this way. She’ll want us.”
“Hospital policy,” Dr. Rhodes replied, calm. “You’ll be updated.”
Mark’s eyes narrowed. “Policy’s fine, Doctor. We’re responsible for her.”
Dr. Rhodes didn’t flinch. “Medical decisions for foster children involve caseworkers and the county. I’m contacting them now.”
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