The First Responders
Chapter 07 - The First Responders
The front door opened before Victor could reach it.
Two paramedics entered with a stretcher, followed by Officers Dana Brooks and Samuel Ortiz. Michael had provided the address, names, pregnancy status, and warning that evidence might be destroyed.
Lucas stepped backward.
Victor began speaking immediately.
“My daughter-in-law lost her balance.”
Officer Brooks looked at the scattered clothes, the broken box, and the phone in Lucas’s hand.
“Put the device on the floor.”
Lucas hesitated.
“Now.”
He placed it down.
Michael remained connected.
“That phone belongs to Emma Reed,” he told the officers. “The call captured the incident. A duplicate recording is preserved at my office.”
Victor closed his eyes.
“Twenty-nine weeks,” she whispered.
One paramedic found the fetal heartbeat.
It was fast, but present.
Emma began to cry.
Caleb turned away.
Lucas asked to ride in the ambulance.
Emma looked at Officer Brooks.
“No.”
The officer nodded.
Lucas’s face hardened.
“I am her husband.”
Emma kept one hand on her stomach.
May you like
“You stopped being my safe person before I reached the first step.”
The stretcher rolled toward the door.
