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“Thankfully, the EMTs are legitimate,” he says. “I paid them to forget this address and Isay is looking into scrubbing the dispatch recording.”
Dr. Jenkins clears his throat. “I know your privacy is important to you, but I do think having Luna looked over at a hospital could be smart. Even if she doesn’t go in an ambulance, it could be smart to go anyway. Just to make sure she’s getting all of the care she needs.”
Yakov shakes his head before Dr. Jenkins has even finished speaking. “There are too many variables. I can’t keep her safe there.”
“I understand your concerns, but I have to recommend what I think is best for my patient. I don’t have the equipment with me to give her a full exam. I don’t see any immediate concerns right now, but things can change quickly.”
Yakov’s thumb circles the back of my hand as he thinks. “Would having a live-in doctor be a suitable alternative?”
“If they had the proper equipment, yes,” Dr. Jenkins muses. “It would probably be an even higher level of care, actually.”
Yakov nods. “Then it’s settled. You’ll stay here with Luna until it’s safe for me to take her home.”
Dr. Jenkins’ mouth falls open. He blinks in stunned silence.
“I’ll make sure you have whatever equipment you need,” Yakov continues. “Compile a list and I’ll get it done.”
“I—I can’t,” the doctor stammers. “I uprooted my family to come here. My wife and kids are in a rental downtown. They’ll be waiting for me. I can’t stay here permanently.”
Yakov rises slowly to his feet. “This isn’t a request, Dr. Jenkins. I’m not asking you if you can help, I’m telling you that you will.”
A few weeks ago, I would have argued. I would have told Yakov that none of this was necessary and I’d be okay.
But today… I feel good knowing Dr. Jenkins will be close by.
I feel even better knowing Yakov is going to do everything in his power to make sure me and the twins are safe.
So I twine my fingers through his and watch as Dr. Jenkins nods miserably. “Whatever you need, Mr. Kulikov.”
40
YAKOV
Dr. Jenkins clears Luna and the babies after an ultrasound with the portable machine Isay rushed over. Then Vera and Usev found the doctor a spare room upstairs. Now, I’m sitting in the living room with Luna curled against my side and Mariya sprawled face-down on the couch.
“The day has just started and I need a nap,” Mariya complains. Her voice is muffled from the cushions.
“Luckily, we have nowhere else to be,” Luna drawls. “You can sleep all day if you want.”
“Yeah. ‘Lucky.’ We’re so lucky to be trapped down here.” Mariya spins to look at me. “You wouldn’t understand how lucky we are, Yakov. Because you’re so busy going places and seeing people and breathing fresh air that I couldn’t even get in touch with you. What the hell are the emergency phones for if you don’t answer them?”
I sigh. “I should have had my phone with me.”
“Why didn’t you?” she snaps. “What was so important that you couldn’t answer your phone any of the five times I?—”
“Nikandr woke up.”
Mariya freezes. She doesn’t even blink. Luna stiffens next to me, her hand a vise grip on my arm.
“He woke up last night,” I explain. “His doctor called me and I rushed to the hospital. I left my phone behind and didn’t realize until?—”
“He’s awake?!” Mariya shrieks, jumping up and down. “Nikandr is awake? He’s conscious?”
I smile thinly. “Awake and talking and everything.”
Mariya hurls herself at me, throwing her arms around my neck.. Luna smiles at me from the couch. But when our eyes catch, her expression falters.
One look and she knows there’s something I’m not saying.
