Chapter 2 - The Papers in Vanessa’s Purse
Raymond bent down and lifted the document before Vanessa could reach it.
The paper bore the hospital logo.
It also carried the signature of Dr. Lawrence Whitmore, Preston’s father.
Emily stared at the words.
“Why does she have that?”
Preston moved between Raymond and Vanessa.
“It is a precaution.”
“A precaution for what?” Raymond asked.
“Emily has been emotionally unstable.”
The hallway became silent.
Emily looked at her husband.
“Unstable?”
“You have been suspicious.”
“You followed me here.”
“You confronted Vanessa.”
“I came for a scheduled prenatal appointment.”
Preston pointed toward the folder.
“You have been documenting imaginary betrayals for months.”
Raymond read the first page.
The order claimed Emily had threatened to harm herself and her unborn child.
It authorized seventy-two hours of involuntary psychiatric observation immediately after delivery.
It also recommended that Preston receive temporary medical authority over the baby.
Emily felt colder than the steel rail beneath her fingers.
“I never threatened myself.”
“I never threatened our child.”
Vanessa reached for Preston’s arm.
“She is doing it again.”
“She turns every conversation into an attack.”
Emily looked at the nurse.
“Did I make a scene before she kicked me?”
“No.”
“Did I threaten anyone?”
“No.”
“Did I even raise my voice?”
The nurse shook her head.
Raymond handed the documents to legal counsel.
“Verify every signature.”
“Lock Emily’s medical record.”
“No edits.”
“No deletions.”
“No outside access.”
Preston scoffed.
“You are overreacting.”
Raymond stepped closer.
“My pregnant niece was assaulted beneath a security camera.”
“Your mistress carried forged commitment papers in her purse.”
“You are fortunate I am only overreacting.”
Dr. Priya Patel arrived with two nurses and a mobile fetal monitor.
They guided Emily into the assessment room.
Preston tried to follow.
A security officer blocked him.
“I am the father.”
“You are also part of an active investigation,” Raymond said.
Inside the room, Dr. Patel examined the bruise and attached sensors across Emily’s abdomen.
The baby’s heartbeat appeared on the monitor.
It was fast.
Too fast.
Emily closed her eyes.
“Is he all right?”
“We are watching him carefully.”
Dr. Patel checked the electronic chart.
Then she frowned.
“Emily, who changed your delivery plan this morning?”
“No one.”
“The chart says you requested an elective induction tonight.”
“I am only thirty-two weeks.”
“I know.”
Dr. Patel scrolled farther.
An order had already been entered for medication that could begin labor.
The authorization carried Emily’s electronic signature.
It also carried Preston’s.
A nurse opened the medication cabinet.
May you like
The induction drugs were already prepared.
Someone had expected Emily to arrive.
