Chapter 12 - The Heartbeat
The sterile, quiet atmosphere of the hospital room was a stark contrast to the chaos of the night. Olivia lay in a specialized obstetric bed, wearing a pale blue hospital gown. Her left arm was in a sling, and heavy bandages covered the deep bruises on her shoulders and legs.
But she didn't feel the pain. Her entire focus was on the small, glowing monitor positioned next to her bed.
An older, kindly doctor was moving a smooth ultrasound wand across Olivia’s stomach, watching the screen with intense concentration. Detective Miller stood quietly in the corner of the room, holding a cup of terrible hospital coffee, waiting for the verdict.
"The placenta is completely intact," the doctor announced, a warm smile breaking across her face. "No signs of abruption or internal bleeding."
She pressed a button on the machine, and the room was suddenly filled with a rapid, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh-whoosh sound.
It was a strong, steady heartbeat.
Olivia let out a breathless sob, her head falling back against the pillows. Tears of pure, unadulterated joy streamed down her face. She reached up with her good hand and wiped her eyes.
"The baby is perfectly fine, Olivia," the doctor reassured her, handing her a tissue. "You suffered some heavy blunt force trauma to your back and limbs, but your body acted as a perfect shield. Your child is safe."
Olivia looked over at Detective Miller in the corner. He raised his coffee cup in a silent, respectful toast.
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"We did it," Olivia whispered to him.
"You did it," Miller corrected her gently. "I just brought the handcuffs. You brought the courage."
