The pediatrician repeated his question in a calm voice.
“Who was alone with Mason before Mrs. Russell took over his care?”
Ellie stared at Thomas.
Thomas stared at the floor.
That was my answer before either of them spoke.
The room smelled faintly of disinfectant, coffee, and the powdery baby lotion still clinging to Mason’s blue blanket.
He had finally stopped screaming.
That should have comforted me.
It didn’t.
His silence was worse.
Ellie walked toward the bassinet.
The nurse shifted slightly, not blocking her exactly, but making it clear Mason was still being evaluated.
“I was packing the diaper bag,” Ellie said.
Her voice trembled.
“Thomas gave him the bath.”
Thomas raised his head.
“Ellie.”
She flinched at the sound of her name.
The doctor asked, “Was anyone else in the bathroom?”
“No.”
“Were you present when Mason was dressed afterward?”
Ellie shook her head.
“I came in when the onesie was already on.”
