THE TRUTH

LUKE

The waiting room felt like a cage, each second stretching out like an eternity. Josh and I sat in silence, both staring at the double doors that led to the operating rooms. Every time they swung open, I braced myself, heart thundering in my chest, only for some nurse or orderly to walk through without looking in our direction.

We were running out of hope with every passing moment.

When the police arrived, the tension in the room shifted. Two officers walked toward us, their presence heavy and

authoritative. Josh and I exchanged a quick look and then stood as they approached.

"Josh? Luke?" the taller officer asked, his eyes darting between

1. us.

"Yeah," Josh answered, his voice sharp and exhausting.

"We have some questions about Sarah-the woman who shot Laura," the officer began, pulling out a notepad. "How do your know her? How well?"

Josh clenched his jaw, his fists tightening. "She's-she was staying with us," he said.

The officer's lips pressed into a thin line. "Did you know she's been in and out of psychiatric facilities?"

1200

THE TRUTH

up,

1288 Ves

his tone even. "But she became addicted to controlled substances-fentanyl, among others. While working, she accidentally overdosed a patient, which resulted in their death. She lost her license

"How the hell was she

using it again, and her mental health has significantly deteriorated. She was discharged prematurely and slipped through the cracks. After

line in front of the chairs.

hand through my hair, anger bubbling just beneath the surface. "She could've-" I stopped myself. She did. She shot Laura. She nearly

solemnly. "We'll contact you if we need further statements.

caught as I

away, the double doors opened again, this

my wife," he said, his voice breaking as he rushed

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THE TRUTH

the gurney glanced

hall. Relief and

from my thoughts. I turned to see a man in a white coat walking toward me, his expression

"Is Jess okay? What's going

a hand. "I'm Dr. Dos Santos. I specialize in neonatal surgeries. I'd like

Jess wasn't-she was still supposed to be in

rising as I fell into step beside him. My legs felt heavy, like I was moving through quicksand. "Jess is in

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