Arthur finally looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of pity and resolve.

“We need to protect the institution, Elizabeth,” Arthur said.

He paused, his hand hovering over the table.

“Effective immediately,” Arthur said, “the board is placing you on administrative leave.”

The words seemed to hang in the air, cold and heavy.

“Administrative leave?” I repeated, my voice barely a whisper.

“Pending the outcome of the police investigation,” Sterling said.

“You cannot do this,” I said. “The hospital needs me. We have three major clinical trials starting next week.”

“Dr. Singh can oversee the department in your absence,” Arthur said.

“This is my life’s work,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “You are punishing me for being the victim of a crime.”

“We are taking the necessary precautions,” the lawyer said. “If the charges are dropped or resolved in your favor, we will revisit the situation.”

“And if they aren’t?” I asked.

No one answered.

“We will need your badge and your hospital keys, Elizabeth,” Arthur said quietly.

I sat there, the weight of the silence pressing down on me.