The hospital was crowded. People were sitting on the floor, some holding children. Many looked as if they had the same sickness as the Amendillas people. A harassed doctor in a white coat was striding through the crowd, holding a clipboard. His eyes widened as he saw the Civil Guard.

"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice as cold as ice.

Jeromo looked down at the child he was holding, then at the other two held by Guillermo and Roberto.

"See to these," he said.

The ...