"What happened?"
The doctor pressed his lips together and took a measured breath. "The police have all the information," he began. "But from what we've been told, the brakes failed. She hit a tree. The collision was too intense. Internal hemorrhaging, massive organ trauma." He hesitated a beat, then added quietly, "She didn't suffer for long. I'm sorry."
Winn blinked, his mind scrambling to catch up.
The doctor gestured toward the nurse at the door. "I have to attend to another case, Mr. Kane. Please, take your time."
"Yeah," Winn murmured. "Thanks, Doctor."
As Doctor Stanton turned toward the hallway, his low baritone voice carried faintly back into the room.
"The assault victim in Ward 57," Stanton said. "Her uncle wants her moved to the VIP floor. No guests, no visitors. He's arranged for private security — only her mother and uncle are allowed in. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Doctor Stanton," the nurse replied obediently.
