"Now, Christopher, why would I have any reason to lie to you about it?" Now a slight hint of a chiding tone entered the nurse's voice, warring with the sympathy obvious in her expression. "I could find his nurse, if you'd like, and you could ask her. But I assure you, he was released and returned home."

The two orderlies returned the boy's look with equally neutral expressions, hands at their sides as they waited in a deceptively casual stance, ready to move if needed. They wouldn't move unless he did, but if he did they would be quick to grab him.