The long, flat tone of the monitor filled the room.

Nobody moved. Nobody breathed.

One of the doctors lowered his head.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “We lost him.”

Leah’s hand flew to her mouth.

“No…” she whispered, shaking her head violently. “No, no, no, no. He’s not gone. He can’t be. He can’t be!”

A nurse reached for the machines, starting to pull wires.

Leah lunged forward.

“Stop! Don’t touch him! He’s still here, I know he is!”

“Ma’am,” the doctor said gently, “his heart stopped. There’s nothing left we can do.”

Ghost suddenly stepped forward. His voice was low, rough, but steady.

“You’re wrong.”

The doctor blinked. “Excuse...