Chapter 2 - The Hallway of Echoes
The hospital smelled of antiseptic and ozone. Emma was transferred onto a gurney the second the cab doors opened. Fluorescent tube lights blurred overhead in a sickening rhythm as orderlies ran her down the emergency corridor. A sharp, searing contraction stole the air from her lungs.
""Blood pressure is spiking, heart rate 140,"" a nurse called out, strapping monitors across her abdomen.
Dr. Laura Martinez stepped beside the gurney, checking the vitals. ""Emma, look at me. Your placenta is separating. We can't wait for natural labor. We have to deliver right now.""
Emma reached out, gripping Laura’s wrist with shaking fingers. Tears finally breached her eyes, cold and bitter. ""Save my daughter. Do not worry about me. Just her.""
""We’re going to save you both. Where is your husband? We need emergency consent.""
Emma swallowed against the dry heat in her throat. ""There is no husband. Sign it under my authority.""
Miles away, David pushed his sedan through blinding rain, tires splashing through standing water. Guilt and anger tangled violently in his throat. He had given her cash. He was busy securing their future, landing the venture firm partnership. She knew how crucial this night was. Why did she have to choose tonight to be dramatic?
He arrived at County General, tires screeching against the curb. Pushing through the sliding emergency doors, he shoved past soaked visitors.
""Emma Vance,"" he demanded at the counter, slamming his palms on the glass. ""She arrived by cab twenty minutes ago. I'm her husband.""
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The intake nurse tapped the terminal, her expression hardening instantly. ""Sir, the patient checked in alone as an unpartnered emergency. She’s already in the surgical bay.""
Before David could step forward, the double doors swung open. A surgeon emerged, stripping off blood-streaked gloves, his face pale and grim.
