The fluorescent lights of New York General Hospital buzz overhead as Chloe stirs awake in the narrow bed. Her body aches from the cold. Her memories blur together like watercolors in rain.
A nurse with short gray hair and tired eyes checks her IV drip. The nameplate reads "Barbara Chen, RN."
"How are you feeling, honey?" the nurse asks.
"Confused," Chloe whispers. Her throat feels raw.
Barbara glances around, then leans closer. Her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. "Listen, I've been doing this job for twenty years. I've seen my share of men who think they can take advantage of vulnerable women."
Chloe's eyes widen. "What do you mean?"
"When that man brought you in, your clothes were... disheveled. Your dress was practically transparent. And completely soaked through." Barbara's expression hardens. "He said he found you outside, but honey, I've seen the signs. Men don't usually dry off unconscious women's bodies unless they have ulterior motives."
