Chapter 46 Hospital Interrogation

• The emergency room buzzed with controlled urgency as doctors examined Xavier behind a curtained partition. Valerie sat in a plastic chair outside, two federal agents flanking her like bookends.
• Agent Rodriguez appeared with coffee she didn't want but accepted anyway. The warmth helped ground her shaking hands.
• "Doctor says Mr. Cross will be fine," Rodriguez said, settling into the chair beside her. "Bruised ribs, facial contusions, minor concussion. He got lucky."