Chapter 9 - The Hospital Scare
Clare was packing a small overnight bag when the pain hit.
It started as a dull ache in her lower back, then wrapped around her stomach like an iron band.
She gasped, dropping the bag.
Thirty-one weeks. It was too early.
She grabbed the edge of the dresser as another wave of pain crashed over her.
She managed to grab her phone and dial 911.
Within twenty minutes, paramedics were loading her into an ambulance.
The lights of the city flashed through the small window as she lay on the stretcher.
“Heart rate is elevated,” the paramedic said. “Try to breathe, ma'am.”
“My baby,” Clare cried. “It’s too early.”
“We’re almost at Mount Sinai. You’re going to be okay.”
At the hospital, nurses rushed her into a delivery room.
They hooked her up to monitors and started an IV to stop the contractions.
Clare lay there, terrified and alone.
She needed someone.
She didn't call Harrison.
She called Eleanor.
Eleanor arrived forty minutes later, out of breath and wearing a heavy sweater over pajamas.
“Clare! Are you okay?”
Eleanor grabbed her hand, her face pale with worry.
“They stopped the contractions,” Clare whispered, tears leaking from her eyes.
“The baby is okay. Just stressed.”
Eleanor squeezed her hand tightly.
“You scared me to death.”
For the first time since this nightmare began, Clare felt a genuine connection.
This woman, a stranger two days ago, was the only family she had left.
“We have to stop him tonight,” Clare said, her voice raspy.
“You’re in a hospital bed, Clare. We can wait.”
“No. Sienna came to the apartment. They are leaving for Zurich on Friday.”
Eleanor’s expression hardened.
“He’s stealing my father's legacy.”
“He’s stealing everything,” Clare said. “You need to take the will to the board of directors.”
“They won't listen to me. I’m nobody.”
“They will listen to the signature,” Clare said.
She pointed to her purse on the chair.
“Take my phone. I emailed you the mirrored hard drive with the embezzlement proof.”
Eleanor picked up the phone.
May you like
“What about the dinner tonight with Harrison and Arthur?”
“You’re going in my place.”
