The doors finally opened again. This time, it wasn’t just a nurse. A doctor stepped out—older, composed, but with a look Ricky couldn’t quite place. Serious. Behind him, the two officers remained nearby. Watching. Waiting. “Mr. Jonas?” the doctor asked. Ricky stood up immediately. “How is she? Is she okay?”
The doctor nodded once. “Your wife is stable. We’re taking care of her.” Ricky exhaled, the tension in his chest easing—just slightly. “But…” the doctor continued, lowering his voice, “there are some things we need to discuss.” Ricky’s relief faded just as quickly. He glanced at the officers.
They hadn’t moved. “Come with me,” the doctor said. Ricky followed him down the hallway, the quiet stretching again between each step. They entered a small office, the door closing softly behind them. For a moment, the doctor didn’t speak. Then he turned.
“What I’m about to tell you,” he said carefully, “isn’t something we see often.” Ricky felt his pulse quicken. The doctor met his eyes. “Your wife… was being tested on.”