The professional distance in his voice almost made me smile.
Even now, Liam followed the rules.
Especially now.
Priya examined me with a patience I had almost forgotten existed.
She told me before she touched my shoulder.
Before lifting my gown to inspect my ribs.
Before checking the bruising along my neck.
Every time, she asked permission.
Every time, I said yes.
It was astonishing how difficult that word had become.
A detective arrived while I was being taken for imaging.
Her name was Elena Ruiz.
She was perhaps in her early forties, with dark hair pulled into a low knot and a gray jacket that looked too light for the cold outside.
She introduced herself without lowering her voice into false sympathy.
“I understand you’ve already told the medical staff that your husband caused your injuries.”
“Yes.”
“I’d like to speak with you when your doctor says you’re able. It does not have to happen this minute.”
