"I thought doctors helped people when they were sick or hurt," Brooklyn replied, her brow furrowing with immediate suspicion. But the truth was, she felt safer being carried by Dr. Strand and being huddled up in Alex's coat than she could ever remember feeling before. After a moment, her expression smoothed out. "He used to live in my building. He's a big kid--he goes to high school. He's always been really nice to me even though everyone says he's a bad kid who gets in trouble a lot."

She felt stupid for being tricked; usually she knew better, but Joey was a kid, like her. Other kids didn't usually lie to her like grown-ups did. She should've paid better attention. She bit her lower lip and looked up at Alex a few steps ahead of them while she talked on the phone in a low, urgent voice. She wasn't stupid, she knew she was probably talking to the policemen. "Is Joey gonna get arrested? What about the bad men?"