“You listen to me, Emma Patterson. You are good. You have always been good. None of this is your fault.”
Her lips trembled.
“Grandma said I make Daddy tired.”
A sound left my throat that did not feel human.
The nurse looked away.
The doctor’s voice remained calm as he spoke into the phone.
“Yes, I need officers at my pediatric clinic immediately. Possible child poisoning. The suspected adult is currently outside the building. Yes, the child is here. Yes, the mother is here. The suspect is attempting to interfere with medical care.”
Outside, Diane had gotten out of the car.
She stood beside Andrés now.
Still no cane.
Still no limp.
The clinic receptionist appeared at the hallway entrance, pale and frightened.
“Doctor Harris, they’re demanding to come in.”
“Do not open the door,” he said.
Then Diane’s voice rose from the front.
Sweet.
Controlled.
Poison wrapped in sugar.
“Mariela, honey, you’re overreacting. Emma just gets anxious. You know how dramatic she can be.”
Emma whimpered.
