“Lie down. Try not to worry, it’s just a regular check-up.”
Jarrod nudged his glasses higher on his nose.
Adelina didn’t move. She reached for her pocket, but it was empty. Her bag was with Lance, along with her phone. She wanted to call Harrell, maybe ask for a little reassurance, but there was nothing she could do.
“Adelina, you really don’t need to be this nervous.” The doctor glanced at her, then patted the edge of the exam bed. “Come on, just lie down for me. There are other patients waiting their turn.”
Adelina took a slow, shaky breath, pushing down the urge to bolt out the door. She climbed onto the bed, laying flat on her back.
“Lift your shirt.”
Jarrod busied himself with the equipment, but when he saw she hadn’t moved, he prompted her again.
Adelina’s fingers twisted in the hem of her shirt. “I just remembered something important I need to tell Harrell. Could you call him for me?”
“You can talk to him upstairs when we’re done here.”
Jarrod’s tools were ready. He arched an eyebrow at her, clearly waiting.
Adelina hesitated, then inched her shirt up, her movements slow and reluctant.
“Can’t I just make a quick call? I just need a second…”
Jarrod’s blue-brown eyes flashed with impatience above his mask. “Adelina, I’m working right now.”
She got the message, even though he didn’t spell it out. Her heart thudded in her chest, but she lifted her shirt all the way.
A cold chill crept over her stomach as Jarrod pressed the icy probe to her skin.
“You—”
Before Jarrod could finish, footsteps echoed from the inside door.
Harrell appeared in the room, phone in hand. “Jarrod, there’s some kind of emergency in the research lab. They’ve been trying to call you.”
Jarrod didn’t wait for more details. He set the probe aside, stood, and took the phone from Harrell.
Adelina swallowed hard, watching them.

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