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Ezra taps the annex inventory. “The part I don’t understand is why the Saints kept Crossroads intake codes in their own records.”

“That,” I say, “is the question.”

I look at Dr. Sawyer’s private number. She told us to call at night if Ezra changed. It’s early morning now.

Before I call, I draw a line beneath everything we actually know. Crossroads treated some Saints-connected patients. Crossroads records appeared in the annex. Sawyer used Crossroads data. Her protocol resembles GatorX in delivery design, but we do not know whether that matters. I circle the only question we can ask her directly: What was Crossroads doing with GatorX exposure, and what did the Saints know about it?

Dr. Sawyer answers after several rings. “Pepper?”

Her voice is lower than before but alert.

“Yes. Ezra and Theo are with me.”

“It’s nearly six a.m.”

“We’ve been working through your protocol.”

A pause. “All right.”

I keep the first question narrow. “Your emergency protocol uses a moisture-stable plant binder. Was that delivery method developed through Crossroads Community Care?”

“Partly.”

“Did Crossroads treat patients exposed to GatorX?”

“Yes,” she says.

“How early?”

“Before the town investigation identified the distribution pattern.”

That fits Ezra’s date work.

I move to the next question. “Were some of those patients connected to the Hollow Saints?”

Dr. Sawyer doesn’t answer right away.

Ezra’s hand finds mine. Theo stands close enough that his scent surrounds both of us.

Finally, Dr. Sawyer speaks. “No matter what you think about my work, I save lives.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the one I can give you.”

I look at the open-circle logo. “Did Crossroads data help build the protocol you offered Ezra?”

“Yes.”

“Did the Saints have access to that work?”

Silence.

When Dr. Sawyer speaks again, her voice has changed. “Leave the cemetery property, Pepper.”

Theo goes on high alert. “Why?”

“I can’t say more.”