After filling the first vacuum tube, Pia pulled it out and pocketed it so she could take the next two from Paul. She was pleased with herself as the process was going smoothly. Of course it helped that the man was thin, with good veins that stood out like fat cigars.

“Good job,” Paul said as Pia slipped off the tourniquet and then withdrew the needle. She handed off the filled tubes and the blood-drawing paraphernalia to one of the male nurses standing by. They had remained in the room in case they were needed. It had quickly gotten around the ER that the patient might be a physical challenge.

Taking out his stethoscope, Paul was about to go back to trying to listen to the patient’s chest. He motioned to the man that he was going to pull up the man’s sweatshirt, but before the man could respond, the sounds of doors crashing open and raised voices could be heard just beyond their curtained-off area.

“What the . . . ?” Paul questioned. He pulled the stethoscope from his ears and reached out to pull back the curtain, but it was flung back sharply. The runner yelled in fear and grabbed Pia’s arm as two uniformed men stormed in and positioned themselves on either side of the bed. Pia could see that the men were carrying side arms. She recognized the uniforms. They were Nano security people.

“This him?” one of them called out to someone who had yet to arrive.

“Yes, it is,” a familiar voice said.

Pia turned and saw Mariel Spallek come through the parted curtain. Behind her appeared two Chinese men in suits and dark glasses. One of them said something to the runner in Mandarin and the man cowered.

“Who’s in charge here?” Mariel demanded. She didn’t even bother to acknowledge Pia.

“I am,” said Paul. “My name is Dr. Caldwell. What the hell is going on? You can’t come in here like this. This man is a patient.” Paul reached out and pressed a red call button on the wall. A wall speaker crackled to life. “Nurse, we need security in here on the double!” Paul barked.

“Dr. Caldwell,” said Mariel, speaking authoritatively. “We’ve come here to take charge of this patient. Without even examining him, I can assure you he is fine. With whatever minor setback he had, he will be looked after properly. As you can see, he is very keen to leave.”

The runner had immediately heaved his legs over the side of the bed and was talking to the Chinese suit who’d addressed him, but in a way that suggested he was acknowledging a superior. The patient was still visibly agitated, but at the same time he seemed relieved to see people he apparently knew.