CHAPTER 22

Ilana and Alice had applied large amounts of liquid bandage on their right hand's fingertips before getting out of the car.

Now, it was sticky and wet and not to be used.

“Hi,” Alice said cheerfully to the woman at the reception.

Alyssa DeCruz. The manila envelope had told them finding Alyssa at the front desk was crucial for their plan and there she was, smiling kindly up at Alice.

“How can I help you?” Alyssa asked.

Alice held out her ID card with her left hand.

“We're from Aegis School of Global Health. We're here to access the patient records for our school project. I think the staff has been informed of this already?” Alice said, looking unsurely at Alyssa.

Alice and Ilana had read an entire envelope worth of background on Alyssa DeCruz. She was an elderly woman who's been at the hospital far longer than any other staff. She had a thick line of gray fading into her black hair and she had the same soft spots any other woman of her age would have.

“Oh, yes, Aegis School,” she smil