“Okay, Sunshine, but I’m going to hold you to that.” The big redhead smiles. “Now listen, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I won’t. I really should be going, Dr. Foletta’s waiting—”

“Foletta won’t be in until later this afternoon. Monthly board meeting. Hey, I hear he assigned you that patient of his. What’s his name?”

“Michael Gabriel. What do you know about him?”

“Not much. Transferred down from Massachusetts with Foletta. I know the board and medical staff were pretty pissed off when he arrived. Foletta must have pulled quite a few strings.”

“What do you mean?”

Raymond looks away, avoiding her eyes. “Ah, never mind.”

“Come on. Tell me.”

“Nah. I gotta learn to keep my big yap shut. Foletta’s your boss. I wouldn’t want to say anything that might give you a bad impression.”

“I’ll keep it between the two of us.”

Two more guards enter, waving at Raymond.

“Okay, I’ll tell you, but not here. Too many ears with big mouths. We’ll talk over dinner. I punch out at six.” The yellow teeth flash a triumphant smile.

Raymond holds the gate open for her. Dominique exits the security station and waits for the staff elevator, grimacing. Way to go, Sunshine. You should have seen that one coming a mile away.

Marvis Jones watches her exit the elevator from his security monitor. “Morning, Intern. If you’re here to see resident Gabriel, he’s confined to his room.”

“Can I see him?”

The guard looks up from his paperwork. “Maybe you should wait until the director returns.”

“No. I want to speak with him now. And not in the seclusion room.”

Marvis appears annoyed. “I highly advise against that. This man has a history of violence and—”

“I’m not sure I’d label one instance in eleven years a history.”

They make eye contact. Marvis sees that Dominique will not back down. “Okay, miss, have it your way. Jason, escort Intern Vazquez to room 714. Give her your security transponder, then lock her in.”

Dominique follows the guard through a short hall, entering the middle pod of three located in the northern wing. The lounge area is empty.

The guard stops at room 714 and speaks into the hall intercom. “Resident, remain on your bed where I can see you.” He unlocks the door, then hands her what appears to be a thick pen. “If you need me, just double-click this pen.” He demonstrates, causing the beeper on his belt to vibrate. “Just be careful. Don’t allow him to get too close.”

“Thank you.” She enters the room.