"Ms. Sullivan! The patient's condition has taken a critical turn!"
"The drug must be administered within five hours, or she won't make it through the night!"
I stared at the puddle of clear liquid on the floor.
A metallic sweetness surged up my throat.
I coughed and a mouthful of blood splattered onto the ground.
Barret stared at the blood, panic flashing through his eyes. He let go of Queenie and reached for me.
"Maggie! What's wrong?"
I grabbed the box cutter from the desk.
And drove it straight into his outstretched hand.
The blade sliced across his forearm. Blood welled up instantly.
"Don't touch me!" I screamed, my voice raw and shredded.
Barret cried out in pain, clutching his arm as he stumbled backward.
My legs gave out. I tipped backward.
A pair of strong arms caught me before I fell.
