Page 94 of The Unforgiven
“Decaffeinated tea only, I’m afraid. And you need some protein. Eggs will do nicely. Doctor’s orders,” she said, checking Quinn’s chart. “Now, I don’t want to worry you, but I just got back the labs for your urine. There was protein in your sample, and combined with the high blood pressure, headaches, and swelling in your extremities, I think it’s very likely that you’re on the road to developing preeclampsia. This can be very dangerous, for both you and the baby. I need you to see your doctor as soon as you return home. I will give you a copy of your labs to take with you. I want you to rest for the rest of the day.”
“When will I be discharged?” Quinn asked. “I want to go home.”
Dr. Glahn smiled and shook her head at Quinn’s impatience. “I’m keeping you overnight. You are to do nothing but rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat. You are not going anywhere until your blood pressure is stabilized and the swelling in your ankles has gone down.”
“I understand. Thank you, Doctor,” Quinn replied, unreasonably upset. She knew that Dr. Glahn was doing the right thing, but the thought of spending another few days in New Orleans left her panicked. She would have gladly gotten on a plane this very day, if that were possible, but of course she had to think of the baby, and Gabe. By the looks of him, he needed to rest as much as she did.
“But it’s not all doom and gloom,” Dr. Glahn announced as she walked toward the door and held it open. “There’s someone who desperately wants to see you.”
Quinn nearly burst into tears again when Emma exploded into the room, followed by Kathy.
“Quinn, I missed you so much,” Emma exclaimed as she tried to hug Quinn. She managed to hug only Quinn’s arm because the hospital bed came nearly to her shoulders, but it was enough to make them both feel better. “Daddy said you’re ill. Here, you can borrow Mr. Rabbit. He always makes me feel better.”
“Thank you, darling.” Quinn sniffled. “Mr. Rabbit is exactly what I need, and Mr. Russell,” she added, smiling over Emma’s head at Gabe.
“I should have never let you go on your own,” Gabe said.
“It’s not as if you could have stopped me.”
“No, but I should have come with you.”
“What’s done is done. Please don’t beat yourself up, Gabe.”
“Quinn, can I watch TV?” Emma asked when she saw the television mounted on the wall. She was already bored and looking for a distraction. “They have different programs here, but I like them. I watchedDora the Explorerwhile I was waiting with Kathy.”
“Kathy, thank you for looking after her,” Gabe said.
“It was the least I could do,” Kathy muttered. She avoided looking at Quinn. “Quinn, I’m so sorry for what Brett did. I have no words…”
“What did he do?” Emma demanded. “Was he bad?”
“Yes, he was very bad.” Kathy’s voice shook with emotion as she met Quinn’s gaze over Emma’s head. “I don’t know what got into him. He’s always been so kind, so quiet.”
“People do strange things when they feel threatened,” Quinn replied. “Where is he?”
“He’s at the police station. They are holding him on charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and attempted murder. Had you lost the baby… I’m sorry.” Kathy broke down and fled the room.
“He could go to prison for years,” Gabe said in a low voice, so as not to attract Emma’s attention. She was already fixated onThe Mickey Mouse Club.
“He deserves to,” Quinn said. “He left me to die. Where’s Seth?” she asked, realizing that no one had mentioned her father.
Gabe sighed and looked away for a moment.
“What? What are you not telling me?” Quinn whispered, suddenly scared.
“Seth is also in police custody.”
“What? Why?”
“He’s been arrested for assault and battery,” Gabe replied. “He nearly killed Brett when he finally chased him down. I think he’s getting out on bail today. He is desperate to speak to you.”
“I’m not ready to speak to him, Gabe,” Quinn muttered. She was too tired and weak to deal with a confrontation.
“You don’t have to speak to anyone. You will have some breakfast, and then Emma and I will leave you to rest. No visitors. Promise?”
Quinn nodded. She wasn’t up to talking to anyone, not even her parents. Having to recount what had happened would be too much for her at the moment, and she had to mind her blood pressure. “Will I have to give a statement to the police?”
“Maybe later. I think they have everything they need for now. Ah, here’s breakfast.”
