“You are not responsible for what he does.”
“I know.”
Her answer was calm.
“But I am responsible for what I choose.”
I understood then that Anna had survived nineteen years not by being protected, but by learning to make decisions inside rooms designed to remove every choice.
I could not begin our relationship by taking that away again.
So we entered together.
Charles remained in the command vehicle with the real bracelet.
The replica around Anna’s wrist contained a tracker and a microphone.
The old hospital smelled of dust, mold, and forgotten medicine.
Emergency lights had been connected along the corridor.
They led us toward the maternity wing.
Room 417 was open.
My name remained faintly visible on a damaged plaque beside the door.
EVELYN STERLING — PRIVATE
Inside, the furniture had been removed except for one metal chair.
Camille sat in it.
Her hands were tied.
Nathan Hale stood beside her.
He wore a dark overcoat instead of medical clothing.
Adrian waited near the window.
Two former Sterling security officers guarded the hallway.
“You came,” Adrian said.
“Release the nurse.”