Julian knelt on the arrestor platform beside Clara’s gurney.
The cold air of Sub-Basement B2.5 tasted of damp lime and stagnant river fog. Beneath the concrete slab, the sixteen Hubbard tanks hummed with the slow, rhythmic vibration of the hospital’s central drainage pumps.
Julian reached into his pocket and pulled out his blue cardstock orderly pass.
The document was stamped with blue ink: FORM SJ-BLUE-044 // ST. JUDE’S MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL. Across its surface, three procedural clauses were printed in crisp typewriter ribbon.
“Read Rule B-Three aloud, Julian,” Elena said, her eyes fixed on the dark ramp leading to the lower level. “Read the exact phrasing.”
Julian smoothed the cardstock flat against his knee.
“Rule B-Three,” Julian read. “Next-of-Kin Custody Right. A biological family member holding a valid Orderly Pass and a zero-balance Vendor Credit Voucher may claim custody of a discharged patient at the Loading Bay threshold.”
Elena nodded once. “We have your pass. We have the credit voucher from Starlight Mart.”
