“I lost them both and I barely kept it together. Then not long after, I nearly got beaten to death and ended up in a coma.” His voice was flat, like he was recounting someone else’s life.
“You had more than a tough time, Creed. I can’t imagine what you went through.”
“I pray you never have to.” He glanced at Hud, his eyes dark with memory, then back to the road stretching ahead. “I am happy about it. I just can’t shake the fear.”
“That makes sense.”
“It’s part of why I wanted in on this case. Keeps my mind from running in circles.” He exhaled. “I’ll get through it.”
“You will. And Abbie’s a nurse. She knows how to take care of herself and that baby.”
“Yeah.” The word came out soft. “She will.”
Creed turned to look out the passenger window at the rolling landscape, golden under the late morning light. A shadow swept across his face asthey passed under an overpass and they rode the rest of the way in silence, nothing between them but the steady pulse of the engine and the miles falling away beneath the wheels.
Chapter Five
Blair offered a tired smile as the final patient pushed through the glass door, the little bell tinkling into the hushed hallway. She leaned back against the reception counter, the laminate cool beneath her palms, and exhaled. Today had been long. Tomorrow would be worse.
She pulled a chair out and lowered herself beside Meridith, who sat with both hands pressed to her rounded belly. Her cheeks were flushed, her forehead damp, and she winced softly as she shifted in her seat.
“Are you alright?”
Meridith managed a shaky grin. “He’s doing backflips in there.” She blinked and closed her eyes for a moment.
Blair leaned closer. “Meridith. Are you in labor?”
“I think I might be.”
“Contractions?”
“Yes. About every ten minutes.”
“Okay. That’s manageable for now. Once they reach five minutes apart we’ll time them properly, length and frequency both. Any bleeding?”
“No. I just checked.”
“Good. No rush yet but call your doctor and give her a heads up.”
Meridith dug her phone from her purse, fingers trembling, and dialed. A soft exchange, a few nods. She hung up. “She said to go ahead and head to the hospital. She’d rather my water break there than at home.”
“Agreed. And you’re not driving yourself. Call Phil, or I’ll take you and he can meet us there.”
Meridith’s thumb hovered over the screen, then she typed quickly. “He’ll be there soon if you can take me.”
“Of course.” Blair stood and smoothed her scrubs. “Let me tell Dr. Workman.”
Blair’s footsteps echoed on the vinyl floor as she approached Dr. Workman’s office. She tapped once on the doorjamb.
He looked up from his desk, wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. “Wrapping up for the day?”
“Meridith is in labor. I’m taking her to the hospital. Her husband will meet us there.”
He was on his feet before she finished, smoothing his lab coat as he moved past her into the hallway. “Meridith?” At her reply he quickened his pace. “How far apart are the contractions?”
Meridith pressed both hands to her belly, teeth clenched. “About nine minutes. They seem to be getting longer.” She groaned as another one hit.
“Let’s go.” He took her hand. “I’m sure Dr. Anderson has notified the hospital.”
