Another news alert about the side effects of Rubicon Pharma’s wonder drug had woken Kelly. The company was shutting down the media’s questions instead of answering them.

“It’s a wonderful drug that’s already helped dozens of the children I see when it comes to screen addiction—and I’m grateful for what it delivers. I’m booked up for months with parents wanting to see me for a prescription, so it’s good for the practice. But when I see stories about untreatable migraines in small children, I need to ask questions.”

Kelly flicked a glance at the puppets on the shelf and felt a kinship. “I’ve seen those rumors as well, but I’ve spoken directly with our CEO, and he advises me there is nothing to worry about.”

Kelly weighed that statement and found no lies.

The doctor steepled his fingers in front of his face and drilled her with sparkling blue eyes. “So you can give me a guarantee that Mendacium is safe to prescribe?”

Kelly balanced on the high wire of the company line and delicately toed it. “What I can tell you, Anthony, is that the information I’ve been given from my company is that there’s nothing to worry about.” Each word in that sentence passed inspection.

Anthony’s gaze was unrelenting. “I hope you’re right, because I have two patients after lunch who are glued to their devices. Really young kids too. This would be the obvious treatment, but if there are risks, I won’t hesitate to drop Mendacium, no matter how much of a wonder drug it is.”

Kelly was sure her pulse throbbed an inch out of her temples. “I think you’ll be fine.” She didn’t bother to evaluate that statement, taken verbatim from the morning’s all-staff email. The script for the day.

Anthony’s eyes flashed a softer blue. “Thanks for not overselling me or offering to distract my medical opinion with tickets to the ballet like the other reps seem to love doing. I appreciate your honesty.”

Kelly smiled, although a tinge of guilt tugged at its corners.

Dr. Scott stood and extended a hand. “It’s wonderful to see you, as always.”

Anthony’s soft palm surprised Kelly as a playfulness danced in his eyes.

“Lovely to see you, Anthony—as always.”

She withdrew her hand, too slowly, hoping to finish the conversation on a good note before one too many questions was thrown out. The high wire beckoned again.

The doctor ushered her to the door. “Speaking of other reps, my practice manager has booked in an appointment late this afternoon with someone else from Rubicon. Why do I need visits from two reps?”

Kelly’s head dropped before steel took over her voice. “You can cancel that appointment, Anthony. I’ll take care of your needs.”

“Good to know. Take care.”