na's

rl with the gun didn't blink-so sure, let's p

he helped lower me onto the bed. "Dr

my sister's engagement dinner-gunfire, screaming, glass shattering. One

ter, my mom and dad..

ewed through my chest, sharp and st

I felt it. The stiff, sticky pull of dried blood between

awed up

ould hold everything together with just my fingers. Like I co

eople?" I was

ker, and that jaw too-the rese

you thin

. Not mocking-not quite-but cl

hip. "Not the welcoming c

flicker-amused, maybe. Or just e

on of the De Morron

starts to swim and my stomach twist. Not just a

y siste

d answer, the d

heets. He set a black leather medical bag on the floor and looked at me t

dear. What'

a," I

acquaintances. "My name is Dr. Manchini. Wou

d see how fast Elena pulled her gun? I could feel h

black latex gloves with a snap that made

arder than I expected

eks," I s

just told him I won a raffle. "Do you mind if I examine you?

n autopilot while my mind s

would you mind giving Davi

d out without arguing. The door snapped sh

hing-and will you pr

mmaging through his bag. He pulled out a sleek, intimidat

osing t

y throat tightened. My eyes burned. But I didn

nd gently over mine and gave me a steady, unreadable loo

s bag, pulled out something small and me

exhaled. "I'm afraid miscarr

stuttered

g tenderness. "I heard a heartbeat-strong as an ox. You're still

as bleeding

Stress. It's not uncommon. Some women experience what's called a breakthrough perio

m, willing the

're

d, not senile. You and the baby

d slung the bag over his shoul

row. Try not to do anyth

staring at the ceiling. "I di

elt like forever, I breathed

ammed open and D

pright, heart pounding. His hair was a mess, his shirt clung with sweat, and

ke he could

? Is th

ectly safe," Dr. Manchini

od-curt, detached, l

e wouldn't have charged

him involved in my life, in this child's life, or in whatever twisted version of fatherhood he

sha. Please giv

ctor says, gathering his

in the hallway before the do

one with

I was more afraid of what came ne