Mercy looked startled at the shift. It was as if the woman had shut down in the present and returned to the past. Probably where everything was more comfortable.

“We’ll tell Harry that it’s time to grow up,” Liza said. “When we see him.”

“And Aubrey,” Belinda countered. “They’re good boys.”

“Yes, they are,” Mercy said, her smile forced. “I think it’s time for you to rest, Mrs. Franklin.”

Belinda nodded, the movement rocking her whole body. She closed her eyes, still clutching the chest with misshapen fingers.

“I’ll just put the chest away for you,” Liza said softly. “Unless you’d like us to give it to Harry?”

Belinda smiled, her eyes closed. “He’s a good boy.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Liza said. She opened the chest, but it was empty, so she left it on Belinda’s nightstand. Toying with the pendant she wore, she looked down at it briefly, one brow raised.

“Oh shoot. I forgot.” Hunter picked up a small hand radio. “Leave it for now.”

Liza let her pendant swing back to her skin. “Thank you, Belinda.”

But Belinda was already asleep, snoring softly.

Mercy stood, visibly shaken. Liza took the cat carrier, then looped her arm through Mercy’s, turning them toward the door. Her camera showed the hall as they made their way back to the front entrance.

Rafe stood, eager to get to Mercy, who looked like she would topple over at any moment. They could still hear Liza’s calm encouragements. “One foot in front of the other,” Liza murmured. “You’re almost there. See? There’s the front door.”

Which had just opened to reveal an older man wearing a suit and a scowl.

“Oh shit.” Agent Simpson was out of her chair, running for her door. “Belinda Franklin’s doctor just walked in. We do not want him to know that Mercy was with Belinda. He’s already threatened to sue the facility if anyone else is admitted without his permission, even though he does not have the authority to approve her visitors.”

Hunter grabbed the radio. “Liza, get her out of the hall. Pull her into a room, the first one you come to.”

To Liza’s credit, she instantly did as she was told, the camera showing a door open, then close.

“Can I help you?” an old man asked, his voice quavering.

“My friend is about to faint,” Liza improvised. “Can she sit down for a moment?”

“Of course,” the man said. “Does she need some water? I have a pitcher right here.”

“I don’t think so,” Liza said, lowering Mercy into a chair, “but thank you.”

“Yes, thank you,” Mercy gasped. “Thank you. Just . . . a long day, you know?”

“And seeing someone you love in here is often harder than you think it will be,” he said kindly.

“That’s the truth,” Mercy said weakly. “I’m so sorry to barge in here.”

“That’s perfectly okay. I don’t get much company, especially pretty girls like you two.”

Liza stood at Mercy’s side, so that the camera she wore around her neck captured Mercy’s profile. Mercy was smiling at the man, who wasn’t visible in the frame. “You’re a charmer, aren’t you?”