Page 79 of The Doctor's Twins

“Hey, Mom.”

“Peyton. I was worried when I didn’t hear back from you. Are you alright?”

“Sorry for not calling you back. I’m great, thanks, Mom.”

“Madi’s in labor, sweetheart. Dad and I are watching the boys while she and Craig are at the hospital.”

“Yeah, I know. Guess where I am.”

“Where?”

“I’m at the coffee shop in the hospital while Madi is busy pushing.”

“What?!”

“Surprise,” I laughed.

“Oh, my goodness. What a wonderful day.”

“I was on the plane when you left the message. I came straight to the hospital when I got your message. In all the excitement I completely forgot to call you back.”

“Ah, Pey, my darling, I’m so happy. You say Madi is giving birth.”

“Yes. I left her and Craig in the delivery room. Didn’t want to be the third wheel.”

“Wonderful. Are you coming here tonight?”

“I think I’ll stay here and come over in the morning. Is that alright?”

“Of course. I’ll see you in the morning. Oh, Peyton. I’m so happy. I love you, darling. See you soon.”

“I love you, Mom. See you in the morning. Love to Dad and the boys.”

22

BEN

Was that the phone ringing? I was somewhere between sleep and awake, so it took me a few seconds to open my eyes and find the bloody device. I could see the light shining through the blankets. Got it.

It was 2 am. What the hell?

“Hello,” I answered in a groggy voice.

“Ben, it’s Sam.”

The sound of his voice was like falling through a crack in the ice and hitting the sub-zero water beneath. I was instantly awakened.

“What happened? What’s wrong?”

“My contact just called me. He lost sight of Mateo, and no one knows where he is.”

“What the fuck? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“How long ago did he vanish?”

“A few hours ago. Is Peyton with you?”

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