As a major donor, I had an administrative login that allowed me to view patient records for billing verification.

But I needed that specific laboratory accession number.

The taxi pulled up to the hospital’s private entrance.

I paid the driver and stepped out.

The hospital lobby was quiet, smelling of expensive floor polish and clean linens.

I walked past the security desk, nodding to the guard who recognized me.

“Good evening, Mrs. Harlan,” he said.

“Good evening, Marcus,” I replied. “I’m just going up to the administration office to leave some paperwork.”

“Go right ahead.”

I took the elevator to the third floor, where the administrative offices were located.

The hallway was empty, the staff having gone home for the day.

I walked past the offices and toward the back stairway that led down to the laboratory wing.

My heels clicked softly on the linoleum stairs.

I reached the heavy door marked *Laboratory Services – Authorized Personnel Only*.

I took a deep breath.

I pulled my donor access card from my bag.

It was a gold card, given to major contributors to allow them private tours and access to VIP areas.