Every report showed high levels of synthetic sedatives in her system.

“They were keeping her chemically dependent,” I said.

My voice was low, vibrating with a cold anger.

“Ethan was administering them at home,” Dr. Reeves said.

“When she got too close to leaving, he increased the dosage.”

“And you knew?” I asked, looking him dead in the eyes.

Dr. Reeves looked down at his shoes.

“Margaret Prescott threatened my family, Colonel.”

“She owns the land this hospital sits on.”

“She owns the board of directors.”

I took the folder and closed it.

“You’re going to testify to this,” I said.

“I will,” he whispered. “I have already spoken to the federal agents outside.”

Emily watched us from the bed, her fingers clutching the blue hospital blanket.

“Mom,” she said softly.

I walked back to her side and took her hand.

“It’s over, Emily,” I said.

“They can’t touch you anymore.”

Agent Carter came back into the room a few minutes later.

I handed her the folder.

She flipped through the pages, her face hardening under the fluorescent lights.