"What's wrong, Madam?" Ava's eyebrows rose. Her eyes blinked firmly.

"I just remembered that I haven't officially introduced myself." Vivian stepped forward and held out her hand. Her smile, which was usually graceful, now seemed sweet. "I'm Vivian Bell. Jeremy's mother."

Ava shook her hand with awkward movements. "I'm Ava Connor."

"Have you been a nurse long?" Vivian hadn't let go of Ava's hand. The girl grew stiffer.

"Four years. Is that long?"

"No wonder you look so experienced. ...