Chapter 5 - The Red Flag in the Bloodwork
At 11:30 PM, the pediatric emergency wing of Inova Fairfax Hospital was quiet, save for the rhythmic humming of heart monitors.
Dr. Marcus Vance, a senior attending physician, stepped out of baby Ethan's treatment room holding a digital medical tablet.
Connor and Sarah stood up instantly from the waiting area chairs, their hands clasped tightly together.
"How is he, Doctor?" Sarah begged, her emerald green dress rumpled from hours of anxious waiting.
"His fever has dropped to a safe ninety-nine degrees, Mrs. Vance, and he is stabilized on IV fluids," Dr. Vance reported calmly.
"However, our routine toxicology panel revealed something concerning in his bloodstream."
Sarah felt the room spin slightly as Connor tightened his grip around her waist to steady her.
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"What did you find in my son's blood, Doctor?" Connor asked, his dark eyes narrowing in sharp alarm.
"We found trace amounts of concentrated herbal sedatives," Dr. Vance revealed grimly. "Specifically, a liquid sleep aid intended only for adults."
