“No one.”
Ben’s expression changed.
“Because Emily’s parents were already dead.”
I stared at him.
“So someone was using her case?”
“Yes.”
“For what?”
“To test whether the medication worked.”
I felt sick.
“And you found out.”
“I found out too late.”
He sat on the edge of the bed.
“I promised Emily’s mother I’d protect her. So I started treating her myself.”
“Using hospital supplies?”
“Yes.”
“Without authorization?”
“Yes.”
I understood then.
“You could lose your license.”
“I know.”
“Ben…”
“I would do it again.”
His voice broke.
“She was seven years old.”
I sat beside him.
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then I asked the question I had been afraid to ask.
“Did Emily really disappear?”
Ben closed his eyes.
“Yes.”
“Did you take her?”
