“This wound is several days old,” Dr. Lawson said to Daniel. “There are signs of infection spreading. She needs antibiotics and monitoring. We’re admitting her tonight.”
Daniel sank into the chair beside the bed. “She’s going to be okay?”
“She will be,” the doctor replied firmly. “Because you brought her in.”
During the exam, additional bruises were found along Emily’s arms. When asked gently how they happened, her eyes filled with tears.
“She grabbed me when she was yelling,” Emily said.
Dr. Lawson stepped outside with Daniel.
“I’m required to report this,” he said calmly. “This appears to be medical neglect and physical harm.”
“Please,” Daniel said without hesitation. “Do whatever you need to do.”
That evening, Detective Lucas Bennett and Officer Hannah Wu arrived. Daniel explained everything—his business trip, the fear in Emily’s voice, the injuries, the warnings she’d been given. When asked to call Emily’s mother, Rachel Monroe, Daniel put the phone on speaker.
Rachel’s voice came through sharp and annoyed.
“What is so urgent? I was in the middle of something.”
“I’m at the hospital with Emily,” Daniel said. “Why didn’t you take her to a doctor?”