When Cristofer left the ward and went downstairs, his phone rang.

It was Gretchen calling.

Cristofer answered the phone. “Hi, Gretchen.”

“Cristofer, where have you been? I asked Peter about where you were but he faltered and refused to tell me.”

Cristofer took a deep breath to adjust his mood and said, “I’m dealing with something. Are you feeling better now? I’ll be right back.”

“Did you go to see Miss Hudson?”

“No,” Cristofer denied it. “She doesn’t deserve my ...