“Send everything to my personal email,” he said.

Then he turned to Robert.

“You’re suspended immediately. Hand over your laptop, keys, and badge.”

Patricia and Karla were removed from the desk.

Patricia cried, saying she had children to feed.

Ethan looked at her steadily.

“Having children did not give you the right to humiliate another parent tonight.”

PART 3

Lupita escorted Ethan and Lily to Suite 904 with the vase of roses.

Inside, Lily woke and asked where they should put the flowers.

“By the window,” Ethan said. “Where Mommy can see them.”

Lupita placed the roses on the table overlooking the Chicago skyline. One stem was bent but still blooming.

Lily touched it gently. “This one looks tired.”

Lupita smiled. “Sometimes tired flowers just need fresh water and time. Then they stand tall again.”

Before Lupita left, Ethan stopped her.

“Thank you for not looking away.”

She lowered her eyes. “I know what it feels like when people look through you. After my husband died, I worked every job I could to raise my sons. When I saw you with your little girl tonight, I couldn’t stay silent.”