The Baby Snatchers

by Chris Taylor

  “What happened?” she asked, still shocked and confused.

  Her mother shuffled a pile of papers on her desk and then shrugged. “We don’t know for sure. I suggested putting the baby in the nursery for a few hours so Mom could get some sleep. When I went to check on him, he wasn’t breathing. The poor little thing was suffering a severe withdrawal from heroin. It’s possible he went into cardiac arrest. By the time I found him, he was cold and unresponsive. There was nothing I could do.”

  Georgie gasped in shock. “Sandra said she’d been clean for three months! She’d given it up for her baby.”

  Marjorie gazed at her sympathetically. “Poor, Georgina. You really shouldn’t believe anything that comes out of the mouth of a junkie. I thought you would have learned that by now.”

  “But…” Georgie shook her head helplessly, unable to believe it was happening again. She’d worked on Ward Seven for two years and not one of her babies had died. Now there had been three over the course of a couple of weeks. Though the deaths couldn’t be prevented, it seemed like things were spiraling out of control. Panic surged through her and icy tendrils of fear clutched at her heart. What was going on? What was happening to the babies she delivered on Ward Seven? She wished she knew. She looked in desperation at her mother for answers, but found only sad regret and then she remembered something else her mother had said.

  “You were here last night? On night shift?” she asked.

  Her mother nodded. “Yes, along with Rosemary and Tammie. Someone called in sick at the last minute. It was just as easy for me to come in, rather than to call around to find a replacement.”

  “So you’ve been here all night and now you’re doing the day shift?”

  Marjorie shrugged again. “I’m the head of this ward. I do what needs to be done. Besides, I had to stay back to complete the report on the Briggs baby.”

  “Mom! You need to go home and sleep! You’ve already been on your feet all night. Isn’t there anyone else you can call to cover for you?”

  Her mother brushed away Georgie’s concerns and returned her attention to the paperwork that covered her desk. “I’m fine. I’ll finish my report while the details are still fresh in my mind. With a bit of luck, I might get to leave early.”

  Georgie’s thoughts snagged on Sandra Briggs and she pressed her lips together on another surge of emotion. Blinking back tears, she nodded. “How is she?”

  “Devastated, of course. She has yet to tell her boyfriend. Neither of them have a phone.” Marjorie grimaced. “I guess he’ll show up here sooner or later.”

  “He’s going to be shattered. He was so thrilled to become a dad. You should have seen his smile when I told him he had a son. It was like I’d handed him the stars.” Georgie’s voice faded away and once again, she was overwhelmed with sadness and disbelief. “I should go to her,” she said numbly, “and see if she wants me there when she tells Wes.”

  Her mother nodded. “Yes, that might be best.”

  In a daze, Georgie pushed away from her chair and stumbled toward the door.

  “Have security on standby,” her mother added. “You just never know how people like that are going to react.”

  Anger stirred in Georgie’s veins. She rounded on her mother. “What do you mean, people like that?”

  “Oh, come on, Georgina. We both know they’ll be passed out in the gutter, with the drug of their choice rushing through their veins, just as soon as they clear the hospital. I’m just saying the boyfriend might be unpredictable. He might have even celebrated fatherhood by getting high. Who knows? I’m just trying to cover every possibility. You need to be careful around people like that.”

  Georgie stared at her mother like she was a stranger. Marjorie had said it again: “People like that.” As if they were lesser human beings; ones that didn’t quite fit. How had Georgie lived for twenty-nine years and never before seen her mother’s prejudice? It shocked and confused her even more.

  But now wasn’t the time to deal with it. A young mother needed her. With a heavy heart, Georgie turned away in silence and made her way out onto the ward.

  * * *

  Tammie drew hard on the end of her cigarette and sucked the nicotine deep into her lungs. Holding it there for as long as she could, she eventually exhaled on a smoky blue sigh that hung on the cool afternoon air. Winter had finally arrived.

  Her partner, Wendy, frowned from her seat on the balcony. “I wish you’d quit that filthy habit. It isn’t good for either of us. We’re trying to get pregnant, remember? Smoking’s one of the contributing factors to infertility and given that neither of us are in the first blush of youth, we need every advantage we can get.”

  Tammie stared at the woman she loved above all others and nodded. She stubbed out her cigarette. “You’re right, I’m sorry. I’ll try harder to quit. I’ve cut right back, you know. I’m down to half a pack.”

  She sighed and shook her head. “It’s just that I had a shit of a night at work last night and smoking helps me clear my head.” She chuckled softly. “It’s funny, isn’t it? Cigarettes fill my lungs with poisonous chemicals, but they actually make it easier for me to think. How’s that for irony?”

  “Why didn’t you tell me when you came home this morning?”

  Tammie moved closer to her lover of five years and pressed a kiss on the top of her head. “You were rushing off to work and to tell you the truth, I didn’t feel like talking about it. All I wanted was to lie down and sleep it off.”

  “What happened?”

  “We lost another baby.”

  “Oh, no! Tammie, you poor thing! Was it SIDS again?”

  “Yes, they think so.”

  “That’s so sad,” Wendy murmured and reached for Tammie’s hand. “I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you. Especially now, when we’re trying so hard for a baby of our own.”

  “Yeah. It’s probably the reason it’s hit me worse this time.”

  Wendy shook her head slowly and shot her a sympathetic look. “How many is that?”

  Tammie compressed her lips, feeling grim. “Too many. At least ten this year, that I know of.”

  Wendy frowned. “What do you mean? Do you think there might be others?”

  Tammie stared at her lover for a long moment and then exhaled on a heavy sigh. “I don’t know,” she finally replied. “It’s not something we discuss on the ward, even during handovers. As far as I know, only the staff directly involved in each incident are even aware that it happened. Marjorie decided the less we talk about it the better. I guess she’s right. It’s not something I want to dwell on.”

  Tears glinted in Wendy’s eyes. “I feel sorry for those poor mothers. Fancy going through nine months of carrying a child inside you, only to have it die shortly after birth.”

  “I hate that they get to fall pregnant at all!” Tammie hissed suddenly, as anger flared to life inside her. “Almost all of them are drug addicts or alcoholics. They don’t deserve to be mothers! You should see them, Wen. Half of them are still getting high, right there on the ward! Their babies are suffering from withdrawals—twitching and crying and struggling to feed—and all their mothers can think about is their next fix! It’s criminal!”

  To her horror, hot tears filled her eyes and spilled out over her cheeks. She swiped at them angrily, furious that she’d been brought to that point. She never cried. Never. It made her feel useless and weak.

  Without a word, Wendy stood and put her arms around Tammie, drawing her in close. “Shh, babe. It’s all right. Don’t get upset. It’s okay.”

  Her comforting words only made Tammie cry harder. Her sobs came loud and fast. Tears soaked the front of Wendy’s jacket, and still, Tammie couldn’t stop the flow.

  “But, I…I…I…” she hiccupped, trying to make Wendy understand.

  “I know, babe. It’s all right. It’s been a tough year on us both. Three failed IVF attempts is enough to get anyone down. Coupled with the sudden loss of several infants, it’s no wonde
r you’re upset.”

  Tammie squeezed her eyes shut and accepted Wendy’s comfort and support. She wished she could explain properly to her partner about the strange goings-on that occurred on Ward Seven, but she wasn’t sure if she had the courage—or if she even knew how to make enough sense of it to talk about it.

  After awhile, Tammie pulled back and offered her lover a shaky smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t know where that came from. It’s not at all like me to fall apart.”

  Wendy smiled at her tenderly and reached out and brushed the hair out of Tammie’s eyes. “Hey, cut yourself some slack. You don’t have to be the strong one all the time. We’re partners; a team. We have each other’s backs, right?”

  Tammie nodded. “Right.”

  Wendy drew in a deep breath. All of a sudden, she looked a little nervous.

  “What is it, Wen?”

  “This probably isn’t a good time, with you feeling so down, but then again, maybe it’s the perfect time to give you some news that might cheer you up.”

  Tammie frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “We’re pregnant!”

  Tammie stared at the woman she loved with all her heart and couldn’t believe her ears. “You’re… You’re pregnant? We’re having a baby?”

  Wendy laughed and nodded and more tears sparkled in her eyes. “Yes! Isn’t it amazing?”

  Tammie smiled so wide her cheeks hurt, even though a tiny part of her was disappointed it hadn’t happened for her. She forced the thought aside. “It’s more than amazing, Wen! It’s… It’s the best news I’ve ever heard! How far along are you?”

  “Four weeks.”

  Disbelief, wonder and happiness rushed through Tammie until she thought she might burst. She threw her arms around Wendy and hugged her tight. “Four weeks! How wonderful!”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Wendy grinned.

  “How are you feeling?” Tammie asked, all of a sudden beset with concerns.

  “Fine. A little tired, maybe, but otherwise I feel great.”

  “You need to cut back your hours at work. That law firm can do without you for the next little while. It will do them good to lose you. They might have more appreciation for the number of hours you bill if you’re not around all the time.”

  Wendy chuckled. “Hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s early days yet. Besides, many women work right up until a week or so before the birth.”

  “Yes, but you’re not going to,” Tammie said firmly. “We’re going to make sure you’re as rested and relaxed as you can be. This baby deserves to meet you at your very best. I’ll take extra shifts to cover your salary. We’ll be fine.”

  Wendy smiled softly, her delight and excitement at the thought of their baby plain for Tammie to see. “I’m not going to argue with you,” she said. “From now on, you’re the boss.”

  “I was always the boss,” Tammie grumbled, but followed it with a grin. Finally, they were pregnant! It was a dream come true.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Cameron stepped out onto his balcony for the third time and checked the street below. The morning sun shone bright and cheerful, mocking his concern. It was a couple of minutes past eight. Georgie was meant to be there by now. It was ridiculous how worked up he was getting over the fact she was a little late.

  It was a weekday. People were commuting to work. The traffic was heavy, as it usually was during peak hour. She’d probably been held up. He didn’t know where she lived, so he had no idea how far she had to come to reach his condo in Bondi. If she lived on the other side of the harbor, it could take her quite a while.

  A red Mazda CX-3 swept around the corner and then slowed, as if the driver was unsure of their directions. Cam wondered if it could be her. A moment later, the driver pulled into the curb directly below him and climbed out. Cam’s heart leaped in his chest and a rush of nerves kicked into overdrive.

  She wore a bright yellow sundress that was in stark contrast to her nurse’s uniform and looked way too flimsy for the brisk June day. It floated around a pair of shapely legs. A matching jacket was draped around her shoulders. Her chestnut-colored hair was loose around her shoulders and made her appear younger than he remembered. Her high heels clacked on the pavement as she headed in the direction of the lobby.

  Quickly, he ducked back inside and hurried over to the kitchen counter. A pot of coffee brewed on the stove and a plate of fresh pastries he’d bought from the delicatessen around the corner were piled high on a plate nearby. It was probably overkill. More likely than not, she’d collect Cynthia and leave. She probably wouldn’t have time for coffee, or feel inclined to linger. She was only there to help his sister, after all.

  He should have left for work already. He was usually at the station by six. He’d asked his boss for a late start so that he’d be home when Georgie arrived. It was stupid the way he was getting all worked up about a girl he barely knew, but the truth was, he couldn’t remember ever feeling so drawn to a woman.

  He was well aware of the good looks and easy charm he’d been blessed with and he was grateful for these gifts. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit they’d smoothed his way somewhat during his path from teenager to adulthood. Women found him attractive and he was flattered by their attention. But he never took it for granted and until now, he’d never craved it.

  The speed and depth of his feelings for Georgie were a little scary and he was nervous about messing things up. Until now, he hadn’t seen her since their initial meeting at the hospital. He was equal parts nerves and anticipation at the thought of seeing her again.

  Without conscious thought, his mind turned to the baby deaths and the apparent high incidence of newborn deaths in the very hospital where she worked. He frowned momentarily. The fact the deaths had happened in her workplace didn’t mean she was guilty of any wrongdoing, or that anything untoward had happened. SIDS was an accepted medical diagnosis and as tragic as it was to lose a baby that way, sometimes it happened.

  But did it happen that often in other hospitals? That was something he’d have to find out. Right now, he was going to concentrate on the beautiful woman who right now was on her way up to his apartment. As if on cue, the doorbell rang and once again, his heart jumped in his chest. Taking a calming breath, he strode over to open the front door.

  She looked even more beautiful up close. The breeze had ruffled her hair, setting it awry, but in a nice way. His gaze zeroed in on her lips, coated in a bright red gloss. Her tongue darted out and then disappeared and heat rushed to his groin. With an effort, he controlled the impulse to take her into his arms and instead, stepped back to allow her to enter.

  “Hi,” he said and smiled at her, wracking his brain for something clever to say.

  “Good morning. I’m sorry I’m late. I got caught up in traffic.”

  “No problem, it’s great to see you again. Come in.” She followed him into the apartment and he headed toward the open concept kitchen and living area, his heart beating double time.

  “That coffee smells great.”

  “Would you like some?” he threw over his shoulder.

  She glanced at her watch. “Why not? Our appointment’s not until nine. Even with this traffic, we should make it in plenty of time.”

  Cam hid his elation by turning away from her and busying himself getting coffee cups from the cupboard. “How do you take it?” he asked.

  “With cream and sugar, please.” She hopped up onto one of the bar stools that lined the counter.

  He grinned. “The only way to drink coffee, right?”

  She smiled back at him. “I would have thought, with you being a police officer and all, you’d drink it black as tar. Isn’t that how they do it on TV?”

  He chuckled. “Not this cop. I like it sweet and creamy, although it’s probably not the healthiest thing to do.” He patted his flat stomach.

  She gave him a slow once-over that sent blood rushing to his groin. “I don’t know. You look like you can handle it. You must work out eve
ry day of the week.”

  The teasing glint in her eyes sent his pulse thrumming in his ears. Was she flirting with him? Hell, he wasn’t sure, but she was a long way from the solemn, professional nurse he’d struck the first time round. Granted, that situation had called for sobriety, but apart from her initial reaction to him, she hadn’t given out many positive vibes.

  Right now, he could almost feel the current running between them. The thought that she might be interested in him filled him with excitement and relief. He really liked this woman and looked forward to getting to know her better.

  “We’re out of shampoo, Cam.”

  Cynthia stepped into the room, her hair still wet from the shower. Cam hid his disappointment. His time alone with Georgie had just come to an end. Still, he was pleased to see his sister up and about, showered and wearing clean clothes. It was a start.

  “Cyn, remember Georgie. You met her while you were at the hospital.”

  Cam was relieved when Georgie took the initiative and extended her hand. A moment later, Cynthia stepped forward and shook it. “Hi,” she said shyly, ducking her head.

  “It’s lovely to see you again, Cynthia, Georgie replied with a smile. “I hope you’re ready for a day filled with pampering. I have us booked in for manicures, pedicures, a facial and a massage.”

  Cam whistled, impressed. “That ought to do it.”

  Georgie tossed him a grin and his belly somersaulted and filled with warmth. He knew, in that moment, she was good and kind and generous. She barely knew either of them and yet she’d set up all of this for his sister. It was almost too much.

  “I’ve never been to a spa before,” Cynthia admitted softly, a blush still staining her cheeks.

  “Well, you’re in for the treat of your life!” Georgie exclaimed.

  Cam handed Georgie a cup of coffee and she murmured her thanks. Their fingers touched. Cam’s belly nosedived from the contact and he wondered if she’d felt it, too. He stared at her, but she’d averted her gaze and he was left to speculate.