The doctor hung up and approached. “Listen, I was right. I went back and I found the file of two kids who’ve died from asthma this year. Both files mentioned asthma inhalers with no markings. But no one thought to test the contents. I just tested Jose’s—there is no medicine. It’s a placebo.” She stuck her hands in the pocket of her lab coat. “All three were given to the parents by the same doctor.”

“Dr. Collins,” said Angel.

She nodded. Her face was heavy with sadness. “I don’t know how a doctor could do this—how anyone could, for that matter.” She put her hand on Angel’s shoulder. “But I’ve been talking to the police lieutenant. If you’re willing to wear a wire and confront this man, get him to talk, a detective is on his way to the clinic right now. He’ll meet you there.”

“Of course I am. If what you say is true, he’s the reason my baby is suffering.” Angel started to go, but then turned back. “I’m gonna make this quick. Take care of my baby.”

Angel’s stride lengthened with each step down the long hallway, fueled by a rage burning hotter and hotter. She barely remembered the walk out of the hospital and the few blocks to the clinic, fueled by hate. By the time Angel reached the clinic doors, she was the sun, bordering on supernova.

A man in a suit jacket and khakis had been leaning against the building but stood up when she approached. “You Angel Gomez?”

“Yes.”

“The peds doctor from University called the precinct and told me what’s going on. You think you can get him on tape?”

“I’m going to at least try.”

The nondescript man handed her a silver cylinder the size of a short pencil. “Just press the top button. It’s a recorder, but it’s also a two-way radio. I’ll be able to hear everything you say, and I’m gonna be right outside the door.”

She trembled as she approached the doctor’s office. It was late. He might have left, this could be for nothing. The charge nurse hadn’t seen him go, though. She adjusted the microphone—which she’d slid into her panties. It was now or never. She opened the door without knocking. “Dr. Collins!”

The doctor was in. He dropped his pen and sat up straight behind the desk, his black hair falling over his high forehead, his eyes big Os. “Angel?” he squeaked, then cleared his throat. “I’m surprised to see you.”