“Did you check her stomach?”
“No, I didn’t look at her like that. I glanced her over quickly to make sure she wasn’t bleeding and didn’t have any bones sticking out in places, but nothing else.”
“I’d say she’s six months or so. You want to be a daddy?”
I roll my eyes. If I hadn’t met him a couple of times in the past, I might be offended, but he’s good people and is only doing his job. I mean, he must be if he’s saving people every day. I’m simply a random dude in the wrong place at the right time kind of guy, I reckon.
“What were you doing when you found her?” He gently probes around her neck for a beat before instructing, “Carefully hold her head still while I place her in a collar. I don’t think she has a neck injury, but you can never be completely sure.”
Fuck. I hope I didn’t injure her more by hauling her up into my lap to keep her warm.
Doing as he says, I release her once the brace is in place and then help as much as I can to get her on a long flat board. Then I answer his question, “I was on my bike, headed for my shop.”
He continues, making me want to punch him. “And she was just lying there, no movement?”
He running for the sheriff spot or something I don’t know about? Christ. “Nothing. Sprawled out in the middle of the road.”
Both guys get the straps in position over her body, then lift and place her on a stretcher. “She’s cold. She’ll need blankets,” I mutter, covering her in mine again and tucking it around her legs to keep the warmth in.
“You did good, man. Thanks for staying with her and calling us.”
“Of course. Do you know what’s wrong with her?”
“Not yet, but we’ll get an IV in her and go from there. Poor woman. She’s got a few bumps on her, but I’m thinking they’re from her fall.”
“You believe she tripped?”
He shakes his head. “No, I think she passed out cold and got banged up a bit when she hit the ground. She should wake up soon with fluids and rest.”
“How can you tell?” I watch as they load her into the back of the ambulance, wishing I could ride with her.
“When you’ve been at this as long as we have, you get a sense about these things and what will happen.”
“All right. Which hospital are you headed to? I’ll follow.”
“She’ll get a room at St. David’s. You don’t have to come. We can take it from here. Want to give me your number so I can let you know if she makes it?”
“I’ll follow. I don’t want her waking up alone and freaked out,” I respond as he heads for the driver’s side.
“Then you better become family, and fast.”
“I am. I’m going to be her husband.” I head for my bike after he flashes me an amused grin. I promised them both I’d make sure they get the care they need, and I’m seeing to it.
Grabbing my cell, I quickly shoot off a text to my appointments and let them know I’ll reschedule with them later today. I’ll hang out for a bit at the hospital to check on the woman and also in case the actual sheriff has any questions that I won’t be able to answer.
Chapter two
Naomi
Twenty-four Hours Earlier...
There’s no other choice.
I have to get away.
I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity, and this is it, I think as I eagerly watch my ex—Jack—reverse out of the parking spot and then leave the tiny apartment complex. He’ll be back, though. It’s been non-stop from him, not accepting our break-up. If I stay here and don’t take Jack back, I’m afraid his father may end up killing me. I moved out and got this place to be in my own space, but of course, it didn’t pan out as planned.
I’ve been researching ever since his father, Tommy, threatened me. There’s a ton of places that will help a woman if she needs it, but none of them offer real protection. They may say they have a police presence or anonymous facilities, but I know none of them could keep Tommy from finding me if he desires, and he’s already promised he will if I attempt to take his grandchild away from his son.
Except one. They offer safety.
Well, it’s not really a shelter or whatever, but more of a “safe refuge,” according to the internet. The website says they only accept a few women per year, and it was founded by a woman named Sadie. According to the About Me section, she was once pregnant and escaping from a violent man. She drove across a few states to show up at a biker compound, looking for help, and they protected her. Since then, she’s married one of the officers of the motorcycle club, had another baby with him, and has founded Sadie Baby’s Haven for Pregnant Women.
Unfortunately, I don’t exactly have time on my side to call or email and formally ask if they’ll take me in. At this point, though, what can it hurt to just show up and ask? Even beg, if necessary. If they turn me away, at least I’ll be in another state, and hopefully, the distance will make it harder to find me. I doubt it, but a girl can hope, right?
Rushing to my room, I grab the small duffle bag I’ve had forever and toss some of my belongings inside. I don’t have a roller suitcase, so I’ll have to keep this one fairly light. I’m too far along in my pregnancy to be carrying heavy stuff. I cannot afford a trip to a doctor’s office right now, and the last thing I need is for my name to show up anywhere.
Taking the cash I saved, I hightail it to my vehicle and hop in. I wouldn’t be surprised if my car has a tracker on it or if I’m being watched. The only thing I can do is haul ass to the bus station, buy a ticket for the first one leaving, then switch it up along the way to get to Sadie’s Haven. I’ve never had to run from someone before, so I’m new to this, but I think my plan sounds all right so far. It’s better than no plan at all, anyway.
Everything goes off without a hitch, aside from me panicking every moment of the way. I know it’s not healthy for my baby or me to be under so much stress, but I don’t have much of a choice at this point. I’m going to trade a bit of discomfort and worry for a better future. Besides, things will be better once I make it to Texas.
Illinois is blistering cold this week, being so close to Christmas, but I try not to pay it much mind as I load up on the bus and snuggle into my coat. I should’ve grabbed a blanket or something, but since I was rushing, I have virtually nothing for the entire trip south. The bus will heat up, I’m sure, once it gets going. It’s packed full of holiday travelers all bundled up and excited to get wherever they’re going. It should be warm in Texas, right? I’d google it, but I ditched my cell phone out the window on the drive to the bus station. I’ll have to pick up a prepaid cell on my way wherever we end up stopping. Hopefully, they make plenty of bathroom breaks because this baby has me peeing all the time and craving crazy stuff to eat.
Digging out my book What to Expect When You’re Expecting, I find my placeholder and snuggle in for the long drive. I have nothing but time and plenty to learn about when it comes to babies.
Eventually at some point, I doze off.
I’m shaken awake by a parking lot full of holes. Ugh, bumps when you’re pregnant and stuck sitting aren’t enjoyable in the least bit. More like a pain in the ass, literally. I go pee, find a prepaid cell, a bedazzled ballcap to twist my hair up and under, and a bag of salty chips that’ll surely make my ankles swell by the time I reach the bottom of the bag.