“Get out of the way, Sarah,” he said, stepping toward the bed. “I’ll handle the medication.”

“You aren’t a doctor, Jason,” I said, standing firmly between him and Ethan.

“I know what he needs,” Jason said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “And I know what is best for this family.”

Mrs. Gable returned with a wet washcloth and pushed past Jason to place it on Ethan’s forehead.

Ethan’s breathing began to slow, the harsh rattling in his chest gradually subsiding into a shallow hum.

The monitor’s beeping slowed, returning to a steady, agonizingly slow rhythm.

His grip on my fingers loosened, his hand falling limp against the mattress once more.

He was slipping back under.

“See?” Jason said, a cold smile touching his lips. “A temporary fluctuation. Nothing more.”

He turned his gaze back to me, his eyes locking onto my face.

“Now, about those papers,” Jason said, reaching out his hand. “Give them back to me.”

“No,” I said.

“They are private family documents, Sarah. You have no right to them.”

“My father’s signature is on them,” I said, my voice hardening. “That makes it my business.”