He was pale.
He had run down the hall.
“Nurse Pierce, those two men in the lobby are asking for the children. They say they’re with child protective enforcement. They have paperwork.”
Lauren’s face did not change.
But Josie’s hand slid into hers and squeezed hard.
“Those are the men,” Josie whispered. “The gray car.”
“I know, baby.”
Greiss straightened.
Relief crossed his face.
“Finally, someone with authority. Good. Let them in. This is exactly what I wanted from the start.”
“Dr. Greiss,” Lauren said, “don’t.”
“Excuse me?”
“Don’t let them in.”
“I will do as I see fit, Nurse Pierce. In my hospital, I decide who has custody of children.”
The bay door swung open.
The tall man in sunglasses stepped through.
He was holding a leather folder, and he was smiling.
“Evening, Doctor,” the tall man said. “Agent Colby Rainey, Federal Child Welfare Enforcement. This is my partner, Agent Sutter.”
