Chapter 48: Hostage, Part 8

Richard

At the clinic, Elizabeth receives the red-carpet treatment. And the doctor is comforting in his brisk efficiency, taking away the need to think.

"I understand your concern, Mr Haswell, but be assured, your wife is in the best possible hands. We will try first to control the contractions; to see if we can halt the premature labour..."

"But what...?"

He cuts in, shuts me up. "At this stage, even a few days delay in delivery can make life more comfortable for the baby. But..." He brandishes a forefinger... "If that proves impossible, the baby still has a very good chance indeed. Babies born preterm at this age have a 95% survival rate..."

Elizabeth...

In her room, in dressing gown and slippers, Elizabeth sits in an armchair, gulping down a glass of water as a nurse stands over her.

"Drink it down, Mrs Haswell. The Nifedipine should reduce the contractions. If we're lucky, it will stop them altogether. In any case, drink plenty of water.

*****

James