She closed her eyes briefly.
Braxton Hicks, she told herself.
Probably.
“Dr. Cole?”
“I’m fine.”
She pulled off her gloves.
“Take her to surgical ICU.”
The charge nurse, Melissa Grant, met Lauren outside.
Melissa had worked beside her for seven years.
She knew Lauren well enough not to ask stupid questions.
“Your husband is in the family waiting room.”
Lauren removed her surgical cap.
“Of course he is.”
“He’s asked for you four times.”
“He can ask five.”
Melissa hesitated.
“There’s something else.”
She held out a clear hospital property bag.
Madison’s purse, phone, jewelry, and torn clothing had been cataloged by security.
Taped to the inside of Madison’s wallet was a folded white card.
Lauren could see her own name written across it.
DR. LAUREN COLE.
“Security found that when they inventoried her belongings,” Melissa said. “They haven’t opened it.”
Lauren stared.
“Give it to hospital security.”
