“The syrup that causes vomiting?”

Lucas nodded slowly.

“And it’s been given repeatedly.”

The room fell silent.

“That explains the symptoms,” Maria said quietly.

Lucas took a deep breath.

“And it hasn’t happened just once. The levels show a pattern.”

Maria closed her eyes briefly.

“Munchausen by proxy.”

Lucas didn’t answer.

But they both understood.

A serious condition where a caregiver causes illness in a child to gain attention or sympathy.

Lucas glanced back toward the room.

Emma was now playing quietly with a doll the nurse had given her.

Laura was arguing loudly with the guard.

Fifteen minutes later, two police officers arrived.

They entered the room.

“Mrs. Laura Collins,” one officer said, “we need you to come with us.”

“For what?” she demanded.