“It’s a lot to take in.” He hands me a tissue to wipe the gel off. “Take your time. And if you have questions later, don’t hesitate to call.”
He prints out two pictures of the ultrasound and hands them to me. The tiny blob that’s going to change my entire life.
“Congratulations again,” he says with that easy smile. “And good luck. You’re going to be great.”
I leave the clinic in a daze, clutching the ultrasound pictures and a folder full of information about prenatal care and what to expect in the first trimester.
The street is still busy. People rushing past, talking on phones, living their normal lives, while mine has just been completely upended.
I’m pregnant.
I’m going to have a baby.
Ledger’s baby.
16
LEDGER
I receivea message from Pedro at 12:47 PM.
She left the building and visited a medical clinic on 5th Avenue. Want a follow-up?
I stare at my phone. Medical clinic?
I text back:Follow. Report back.
Savannah went to a clinic during lunch without telling me. My first thought is that she’s sick. Something’s wrong. But she seemed fine this morning when we texted.
I try to focus on the paperwork in front of me, but I can’t concentrate. My phone sits on my desk, silent, and every minute that passes without an update makes me uncomfortable.
At 1:23 PM, Pedro texts again.
She’s still inside. The clinic specializes in women’s health. OB-GYN.
Women’s health.
OB-GYN.
I’m out of my chair, and I call Silas before I can think.
“Boss?”
“I need information from a clinic on 5th Avenue. Women’s health center. Savannah went in forty minutes ago, and I need to know why.”
“What kind of information?”
“Everything. Medical records, if you can get them. I need to know what she’s doing there.”
There’s a pause. “Boss, that’s going to require some persuasion. Doctor-patient confidentiality and all.”
“Then persuade them. I don’t care how. Just get me that information in the next hour.”
“Understood.”
I hang up and pace in my office. Back and forth in front of the windows overlooking the city. Women’s health. OB-GYN. It could be anything. A routine checkup. An infection. Birth control.
Or it could be exactly what I’m hoping it is.
