Cadence hadn’t even gotten Jack fully across the threshold and into the waiting room when the receptionist came running over to help, alerting the nurse to get Dr. Matthews “stat.” The older woman attempted to help Cadence lead him to a nearby chair, though Cadence knew she was really moving him herself. Dr. Matthews was out in just a few seconds, stethoscope in one hand, black bag in the other.

Jack’s face was almost as white as the doctor’s lab coat now, and his eyes were ...