The footsteps approached the door.

My heart hammered against my ribs, the monitor emitting a high-pitched, continuous beep.

The door handle began to turn again.

The door swung open with a soft, hydraulic hiss.

Dr. Harrison stepped into the room, his white coat pristine and stiff.

Behind him were two men in dark grey suits carrying leather briefcases.

Thomas did not move from the center of the doorway.

“Thomas,” Dr. Harrison said, his voice flat. “Step aside, please.”

“You have no business in this room, Richard,” Thomas said.

“I am the chief of medicine,” Dr. Harrison said, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses. “And these gentlemen represent the legal interests of Ryan and Margaret Parker.”

One of the men in suits stepped forward and opened his briefcase.

He pulled out a thick manila folder.

“Emma Parker?” the man asked, looking past Thomas toward my bed.

“Do not answer him,” Victoria said, stepping in front of my IV stand.

“I am Victoria Vance, counsel for Mrs. Parker,” she said, her voice like steel. “You will address all communications to me.”

The man in the suit did not look intimidated.