I think for a moment and then let her know that Erik prefers two on the outside and one on the inside. However, since there is narrow space in the back, I didn’t see a reason for anyone to come back, as we’ll only be a few minutes. My conscience tugs. Erik wants me to rest. And I promised him I wouldn’t leave.
“Erik really wanted me to stay home today,” I say with a slight shake in my voice.
“Claire...” Her voice softens. “I just don’t want anything to jeopardize your progress.”
I exhale slowly. “Okay. I’ll come in after breakfast. It may take some time to set up arrangements. Is there a particular time you’d like for me to arrive by?”
“If you’d like additional privacy, you’re welcome to stop by around our lunch hour. Most of our staff is at lunch, and we usually have a nurse or nurse tech at the front desk that can assist you while I finish up with our last patient. And no rush, I’ll be waiting.”
I feel better knowing there isn’t a major rush and that she is trying to accommodate me. When I hang up, the anxiety remains sharp, but her words resonate with me. She’s never given me any reason not to trust her.
I scarf down my breakfast, clean up, and then proceed to shower and dress for my clinic visit. I text the leader of my three guards, Jerry, and make sure they are ready when I come downstairs.
Before I leave, I text Erik.
ME: Just got a quick call from Dr. Madsen. Minor retest. I’ll come right home. The guards are with me. I love you!
The message spins.
Sending… Sending… Failed to Deliver.
My brows knit.I try to send a text again.
Failed.
A prickle crawls across my skin. Maybe he’s in a dead zone…
I write a quick text to Grace instead.
Claire: Morning, sweetie! How’s our pregnant goddess feeling? And what are you up to today?
Grace responds within seconds.
Grace: Feeling huge now that the baby is measuring at twenty-three weeks! Baby kicks nonstop. I’m going to Dr. Madsen's and Dr. Monroe’s office today. I need to get some lab work done plus get an updated ultrasound picture because Bjorn is obsessed! What are you up to today?
A small knot of reassurance loosens.
Claire: Nice! I might see you at Dr. M & M, as I’ll be there for some blood work as well. I’ll wave if I see you!
I ponder why my text went through to Grace but not Erik’s phone. I’m hopeful that there isn’t something wrong. I attribute this to the possibility that he is in an area with poor reception.
I make my way down to the guards so they can drive me to the clinic, and I’m hopeful that Erik will get my text soon.
Erik
The warehouse district resembles a skeletal structure of ancient industry, adorned with rusted metal ribs, broken windows, and eerie shadows.
The moment I step inside, the air feels wrong. No motion. No freshly disturbed dust. There are no indications of intrusion.
“Bjorn,” I say, hitting the call, stepping deeper into the space, my pulse already rising.
He answers immediately. “Yeah?”
“You sent me to the Port of Houston?”
“What? No…” My blood turns to ice.
“I got a text from you,” I say, voice low. “Warehouse breach. Motion alert.”
