Chapter 2 - The Code Blue
The rhythmic thump-thump of our daughter's heartbeat suddenly warped into a slow, erratic drag.
"Dr. Sloan?" I asked, my voice rising in panic as a sharp pain suddenly ripped through my lower abdomen. "What's wrong? What's happening?"
"Her heart rate is dropping," Dr. Sloan said, her professional calm fracturing. The emergency alarm blared into the hallway. "You're experiencing a placental abruption. We are losing her oxygen supply. We need an emergency C-section, now."
Nurses flooded the tiny examination room. Someone grabbed the wheels of my bed, but before they could move it, Adrian transformed.
The vulnerable man who had been marveling at an ultrasound screen vanished, instantly replaced by the ruthless apex predator who ruled Chicago's underworld.
"This clinic is not equipped for a high-risk surgical emergency," Adrian stated, his voice a lethal, echoing command that froze the room. He looked at his security chief. "Have the Medevac chopper touch down in the intersection outside. Now. Block the streets."
"Mr. Moretti, we don't have time—" Dr. Sloan started.
"It takes three minutes to fly to Northwestern Memorial," Adrian interrupted, his dark eyes terrifyingly calm. "I own the hospital's East Wing. I have already texted the Chief of Surgery; a level-one trauma OR is waiting."
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He didn't wait for permission. As the pain tore through me again, black spots danced in my vision. I felt strong arms wrap securely around me, lifting me from the examination table.
"I've got you," Adrian whispered against my temple, carrying me through the clinic as his men forcefully cleared the hallways. "Keep your eyes open, mia luce. I am not letting anything happen to either of you."
