“I won’t take it,” Mara said.

“If you don’t, we will bring in an interim administrator from the outside,” Sterling replied, his voice completely flat. “And Dr. Morgan’s department will be dismantled before the week is out.”

I looked up at Mara and shook my head slightly.

“Take it, Mara,” I whispered.

“Elizabeth, no,” she said.

“Please,” I said. “Keep the clinical trials running. Don’t let them shut down the trauma fellowship.”

The room was silent except for the low hum of the ventilation system.

Slowly, I unclipped the plastic badge from my lanyard.

The metal clip made a sharp, metallic snap as it released.

I set the badge on the polished mahogany table, followed by the heavy brass keys to my office and the pharmacy cabinet.

Arthur reached out and slid them toward his side of the table.

“Thank you, Elizabeth,” Arthur said quietly. “We will be in touch.”

I stood up, my knees feeling slightly weak, but I kept my back straight.

I did not look at Sterling or the other board members as I walked toward the door.