Chapter 1 - The Locked Door
The contraction ripped through Claire's body like a knife.
She gripped the edge of the marble sink, her knuckles white.
Her breath came in short, ragged gasps.
The bridal bathroom was decorated with fresh roses and crystal vases.
It smelled like perfume and expensive candles.
It smelled like everything her in-laws valued more than her life.
Another contraction came, stronger than the last.
She doubled over, crying out.
No one came.
No one knocked.
No one checked on her.
---
She looked at the door.
It was locked.
From the outside.
---
Claire's heart pounded against her ribs.
They had locked her in.
Her mother-in-law.
Her husband.
They had locked her in a bathroom while she was in labor.
---
She reached for her purse.
Her fingers trembled as she pulled out the emergency phone.
She had carried it for years.
She had never used it.
Until now.
---
Special Agent Mara Voss answered on the first ring.
"Claire?"
"I'm in the east bridal bathroom at Bellacourt Vineyard," Claire whispered. "My water broke, and I need medical assistance."
Her voice was calm, measured.
Mara responded immediately.
"Are you safe?"
Claire looked at the locked door.
"I'm alone right now."
There was a brief pause.
Then Mara said,
"Stay where you are. Paramedics and our team are already on the way."
---
Claire ended the call.
She leaned back against the wall, her hand pressed to her stomach.
The baby was coming.
May you like
Whether anyone was ready or not.
---
