A small alarm went off in my head.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked.

Vance smiled, a cold, bloodless expression.

“We are simply ensuring that the truth comes out,” Vance said. “The complete truth.”

My phone vibrated in my coat pocket.

I ignored it, keeping my eyes on Vance.

“If you’ve done something to Aaron,” I said.

“We don’t need to do anything to him,” Cassandra said. “His own actions will speak for themselves.”

“Ethan, let’s go,” Cassandra said, turning to my brother. “The doctors want to speak with us.”

Ethan looked at me, torn, but Cassandra took his arm.

He let her lead him away down the corridor.

Vance remained behind for a moment, watching me with a smug satisfaction.

“Have a safe drive home, Miss Mercer,” he said, before turning to follow them.

I stood alone in the hallway, the smell of bleach suddenly making me nauseous.

My phone vibrated again, a long, continuous buzz.

I pulled it out.

The screen showed an restricted number.

I pressed the phone to my ear.

“Grace,” a voice whispered.

It was Aaron.