My phone's vibration felt like a thunderclap in the silent hospital room. Everyone froze.
I scrambled to silence it, hands trembling as I fumbled through my purse. "Sorry, must be work," I muttered, finally silencing the betraying device.
Beatrice lowered her phone slowly, her brow furrowed. "That's strange. The call went straight to voicemail."
I forced a casual shrug. "Maybe the number is outdated?"
Fiona's eyes narrowed, darting between my purse and my face. Had she noticed the timing? My heart hammered against my ribs.
"Let me try again," Beatrice said, her finger hovering over the call button.
"No!" I blurted, louder than intended. All eyes turned to me. I softened my voice. "I mean, please don't trouble yourself right now. You should be focusing on Uncle Alistair's recovery."
