Chapter 108
The Nurse with Owen's Face
The nurse placed the chart at the foot of Elise's bed.
“The patient has been released,” she said.
“By whom?” Claire asked.
“By the owner.”
“The owner is unverified.”
The nurse smiled. “The owner can be recreated.”
She turned toward Daniel.
“You signed for transfer.”
Daniel stepped between her and Elise.
“I withdraw it.”
The nurse's face flickered.
“Withdrawal requires the original signer.”
“I am the original signer.”
“You are a witness.”
Daniel took the chart and tore it in half.
The basement lights went out.
Elise sat up.
“That was not a legal withdrawal,” she said.
“It was mine.”
“Then say it clearly.”
Daniel faced the room.
“I withdraw my consent to any transfer of Elise Vale. I withdraw my claim to speak for Rowan Vale. I withdraw every statement that called either of them a model.”
The hospital system recorded his words.
The nurse's face returned to its own.
She was an ordinary young woman, frightened and confused.
“What happened?” she asked.
Elise answered, “You were made to carry someone else's face.”
The nurse dropped the chart.
On the floor, the paper rearranged itself into a map.
Room Eight was marked beneath the hospital's maternity wing.
Rowan stared at it.
“That is where I was born.”
Elise touched her hand.
“Then that is where we go.”