Chapter 9 - THE RED ZONE The emergency room doors flew open.
"We need help!"
Nurses rushed toward Leah.
She was taken away immediately.
David followed until a doctor stopped him.
"Sir, you need to stay here."
"What happened?"
The doctor's expression changed.
"Placental abruption."
David's face went pale.
"The baby's heart rate is dropping."
"What does that mean?"
"We need an emergency C-section."
David looked toward Leah.
She reached for his hand.
"Don't let her in."
David squeezed her fingers.
"She won't get near you."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
The operating room doors closed.
David stood alone in the hallway.
His clothes were soaked.
Blood stained his hands.
For the first time, all his locks and cameras felt completely useless.
Then Detective Miller arrived with two officers.
"Her car was found."
David turned.
"Where is she?"
"We don't know."
David's face fell.
Miller understood immediately.
"Security is being tightened."
David looked toward the maternity hallway.
"She's coming here."
Miller didn't dismiss him.
Because by now, he had learned enough about the woman to know David wasn't exaggerating.
The hospital locked down the maternity floor.
Security guards were positioned at every entrance.
But David kept thinking about his mother.
She had spent decades making people underestimate her.
She knew how to appear fragile.
She knew how to appear harmless.
And she knew exactly how much sympathy an older mother could receive.
Then the elevator doors opened.
A woman in blue surgical clothing stepped out.
Pushing a laundry cart.
Head lowered.
Moving slowly.
David stared.
Something about the way she walked was familiar.
He stepped forward.
"Stop."
The woman froze.
Then slowly lifted her eyes.
May you like
David's blood turned cold.
His mother.
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