“Because of the interstate nature of the clinic’s medical licenses, they can bypass the local police.”

“They are dispatching agents to Margaret’s penthouse now.”

I felt a sudden, sharp relief wash over me, but it was immediately replaced by a heavy silence in the room.

I turned my head toward the sleeping baby.

I walked over to the crib and looked down.

He had a tuft of dark hair, just like mine.

His tiny chest rose and fell in a steady, peaceful rhythm.

I reached out, my fingers trembling, and gently touched his soft cheek.

“He has your eyes, Claire,” Olivia said from behind me.

“Even when they were closed, I could see it.”

“I wanted so badly to believe he was mine.”

“I’m sorry I tried to steal your life.”

I didn’t look back at her, keeping my eyes fixed on the baby.

“We will face the court together, Olivia,” I said.

“But right now, we have to protect him.”

Suddenly, the lights in the cabin flickered.

The hum of the refrigerator died.

The room plunged into darkness, lit only by the dying embers of the fireplace.