Chapter 16 - Twenty-Eight Weeks
The video ended my last excuse for him.
Ryan had not ordered the shove on camera.
But after watching his pregnant wife fall, his first concern was evidence.
Not me.
Not our daughter.
My phone.
Prosecutors added charges related to conspiracy, evidence tampering, financial fraud, and the hospital scheme. Vanessa's assault case strengthened overnight.
Ryan remained in custody pending a detention hearing.
For the first time, I thought I might sleep.
Then at 3:17 a.m., I woke to pain.
Not cramps.
Real contractions.
Dr. Patel rushed in.
"Emily, your body has been through too much. We're going to try to stop labor, but I need you prepared for the possibility that we can't."
Maya stood beside me in a paper gown, crying without making a sound.
"She's too early."
"Twenty-eight weeks is early," Dr. Patel said, "but we have an excellent neonatal team."
I pressed both hands to my stomach.
"Listen to me, little girl. You stay in there. Your mother is finally making decent decisions. Don't ruin my streak."
Maya laughed through tears.
Hours passed.
Medication slowed the contractions.
Then stopped them.
By sunrise, the danger had eased.
I lay exhausted in the dim room while Maya slept in the chair.
A nurse brought my breakfast and a small padded envelope that had been cleared by security.
Inside was my wedding ring.
Ryan had sent it through his attorney.
There was no note.
I held it between two fingers.
Nine years reduced to a circle of platinum.
Then Dana called.
"The board meets at noon. Ryan's allies are trying to remove you anyway."
"On what basis?"
"They say the criminal investigation makes leadership impossible."
I looked down at the monitors strapped around my belly.
"Can I attend by video?"
May you like
Dana laughed once.
"I was hoping you'd ask."
