Your red blood cell count and hemoglobin are normal but your white blood cell count is markedly decreased," Dr. Derek Smith informed the patient as he perused the lab result in his hands. "This can indicate a viral infection. We'll have to perform more diagnostic tests tomorrow to rule out other conditions."

After the patient left, Derek sat down exhausted. A wisp of stubborn hair crept to his forehead, covering one of his wide-set blue eyes. His lips were rich and full and his square jaw was ...