The hospital corridor blazed with fluorescent light.
Nurses moved with practiced efficiency.
Dr. Chen stood outside the ICU, clipboard in hand, speaking in low tones to his resident.
"Patient one—Lisa Montgomery, DOA. Multiple blunt force trauma, internal bleeding. Patient two—Richard Montgomery, stable. Fractured ribs, lacerations, possible concussion. Patient three—Ethan Montgomery, seventeen, still unconscious. CT scan shows no skull fracture, but significant head trauma. We're monitoring for brain swelling."
"And the witness?"
"Gabriel. Minor cuts and bruises. Shock, mostly. We took his statement and released him."
Down the hall, a commotion erupted.
Reporters crowded the elevator banks, cameras flashing. Security guards formed a barricade.
"Mr. Montgomery! Can you confirm—"
"Was alcohol involved in the accident?"
"Mr. Montgomery, how is your son?"
