Chapter 7 - THE NURSE THEY TRIED TO SILENCE
Lauren's involvement attracted attention.
Hospital administrators questioned her decisions.
Some praised her.
Others worried about publicity.
Dr. Brandt's video had been shared privately before investigators secured it.
Someone leaked a short clip online.
It showed Maisie entering the lobby.
Wet.
Barefoot.
Carrying Benji.
The caption mocked her appearance.
The response was immediate.
Thousands of people condemned the hospital staff's behavior.
Reporters gathered outside.
Hospital leadership announced an independent review.
Lauren hated the attention.
She had spent four years avoiding cameras.
Now her face appeared in news reports.
Agent Shaw warned her.
“Your identity may be compromised.”
Lauren nodded.
“I know.”
She was offered relocation.
Again.
A new name.
A new city.
Another life spent hiding.
Lauren looked toward Maisie's room.
“No.”
Shaw frowned.
“Lauren—”
“I've already run once.”
“You had good reason.”
“I know.”
She swallowed.
“But that child came looking for me.”
Shaw studied her.
“You don't have to become her guardian to help her.”
Lauren nodded.
“I understand.”
But the truth was more complicated.
Maisie had no confirmed safe parent available.
Hannah was missing.
Benji was recovering.
And the children needed stability.
A child welfare representative met with Lauren.
They discussed temporary placement options, safety assessments, and legal procedures.
Lauren made no promises she couldn't keep.
But she asked to be considered as a familiar caregiver if the appropriate authorities determined it was suitable.
That evening, Maisie asked:
“Are you leaving?”
Lauren sat beside her.
“No.”
“Ever?”
Lauren swallowed.
“I can't promise nothing will ever change.”
Maisie's face fell.
Lauren took her hand.
“But I can promise I won't disappear without telling you what I can.”
Maisie stared.
Then nodded.
“Okay.”
It was the beginning of trust.
May you like
Not the end of fear.
But the beginning.
