Chapter 4

When the ambulance doors closed, my phone was still open to my conversation with Graham.

I sent three messages.

They are taking me to the hospital.

I’m still bleeding.

Tell the crew and get off the plane.

No reply appeared beneath them.

In obstetric triage, a nurse cut the edge of my dress and fastened two monitoring belts around my stomach. The baby’s heartbeat filled the room, fast and clear.

A narrow strip of paper slid from the machine. Each contraction lifted the black line higher.

I watched until an IV needle entered the back of my hand. Only then…