When he asked about Lila’s recent health issues, Marissa sank onto the edge of the sofa as though the question alone weighed more than she expected.
“It’s been months of fevers and stomachaches,” she admitted. “I tried the clinic, but appointments clashed with my shifts, and I can’t afford to lose my job. The insurance barely covers anything.”
He nodded, recognizing the familiar pattern of exhaustion layered over worry. “So how have you been managing her care?”
Relief flickered in her expression. “A friend has been helping. His name’s Nathan Holloway. He’s trained in natural health therapies. He’s been giving Lila supplements and vitamin treatments, and she seemed better at first.”
Before Thomas could respond, a knock sounded at the door, and Marissa’s shoulders visibly relaxed.
“That must be him. He usually stops by in the evenings.”
Nathan Holloway entered with an easy smile and a leather case in hand, his demeanor calm, almost polished, and although his handshake was firm and his tone measured, Thomas sensed a performance beneath the courtesy.
“I didn’t realize you had company,” Nathan said, glancing at the uniform.
Marissa explained quickly, and Nathan’s concern appeared immediate. “Is Lila all right?”
Thomas watched carefully as Nathan moved toward the hallway.
From Lila’s room came the child’s small voice: “Do I need another shot today?”
Nathan answered smoothly, “Just vitamins, sweetheart. Remember what I told you?”
“It only hurts the first time,” she replied in the same practiced tone.
Calling for Backup
That was the moment Thomas stepped outside and made a call of his own.
He dialed the number of Eleanor Briggs, a retired child advocate in her early seventies whose decades of experience had made her the person he trusted most when situations involved children navigating complicated adult decisions.
“Eleanor, I need your eyes on something,” he said quietly.
Within twenty minutes, she arrived, small and composed, her silver hair pulled back neatly and her gaze attentive enough to unsettle even the most confident speaker.
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