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"That may not be the best idea," Jeremy said slowly. "We think he might have a larger role in all this than simply owning the letter."
"If you knew Patrick--Well, it's unlikely he has any involvement in this. But, as I've admitted, we're no longer close, so I have to also admit that I may be mistaken. What I'm asking is that you allow me to bring him to a location I deem safe, with myself present at all times--including during questioning--to ensure that he has a representative there, and everything proceeds as it should."
I bristled. "Proceeds as it should? If you're suggesting we're going to work this guy over--"
Jeremy cut me short. "If we saw clear evidence that Patrick Shanahan is responsible for this portal, and refused to help us close it, then we would indeed exercise methods of persuasion. No one's arguing that. People have disappeared, one person has died and more are at risk. We'll do what we need to, within reason, to close this portal."
He stared hard at Tolliver, who finally dropped his eyes and nodded.
"Understood. If I can find Patrick, he's yours--so long as I'm present for the questioning."
Before Tolliver could leave, Jeremy said, "There's one other thing I'd like you to do. A brief examination." He nodded toward me.
"I'm fine. The baby's kicking and--"
"Let him take a look," Jeremy said, then lowered his voice so Tolliver couldn't overhear. "You'll feel better with a second opinion."
Tolliver checked me out, then asked, "How far along are you?"
"About twenty-three weeks," Jeremy answered.
Tolliver blinked, then nodded. "Yes, I suppose that wouldn't be unexpected. What's a wolf's gestation period?"
"Nine weeks," Jeremy said.
Tolliver took a tape from his bag, did a few measurements, asked me some questions, then leaned back on his heels. "Everything looks fine. This is the time, though, when you really need to be careful. I know, under the circumstances, easier said than done, but you're well into your third trimester, or the equivalent of it."
"Th-third trimester?"
"It's impossible to tell for certain, but I've handled prenatal obstetrics at a few shelters, often with women who aren't quite sure how far along they should be. I'd estimate you only have a few weeks left to go, but you're healthy, and they're doing fine--"
"Th-they?"
"The babies."
I swung an accusing glare at Jeremy. "Babies?"
Jeremy rubbed at a small smile. "I thought I detected more than one heartbeat, but I didn't want to say anything until I was sure. All things considered, a multiple birth wouldn't be unexpected..."
"Multiple? How...multiple?"
"Two,"
Jeremy said quickly. He looked anxiously at Tolliver. "It is just two, isn't it?"
Tolliver nodded.
"So I'm having...twins. We're having--"
I looked around for Clay. He was out of bed and standing at my shoulder, grinning.
"News to you too?" I said.
He only nodded, still grinning, then pulled me into a hug. When I didn't return the embrace, he looked down at me, eyes dimming.
"That's okay, isn't it? It'll be extra work, but--"
"It's okay," I said as my heart thumped double-time. "Just...I think I need to sit down."
