Chapter 6

The recognition event was held in the large lecture hall of the hospital's administrative building.

All three hundred seats were filled.

A navy and gold banner framed the stage.

He wore a dark gray suit, his hair immaculately styled.

At the registration desk, exchanging pleasantries with the hospital leaders, Michael looked every inch the soon-to-be hospital director.

I was seated in the first row, right at the edge.

An elderly woman with gray hair, Benjamin Bell's wife, sat beside me.

Benjamin stood on stage, microphone in hand, delivering his retirement speech.

"The young people here are truly outstanding. Everyone knows…