Page 39 of Reasonable Doubt

“Yes.”

He asked Noreen, “Do you want me to share information with him?”

“I do.”

“I’m Ian Cook, an OBGYN. I’m sorry to say that Dr. Shannon had a miscarriage.”

“She just told me.”

“We had to do some work on her but nothing was damaged beyond repair. She’s still capable of having children.”

“That’s great news. Did you hear that sweetheart?”

She mumbled something.

“She’s been given strong painkillers. There are bruises all over her body.”

Her good eye closed.

Nick had to know. “Did he…was she raped?”

“No. She fought back hard.”

Noreen mumbled, “I kicked him in the groin.”

He gave her a gentle smile. “That’s my girl.”

“Do you have any questions, Mr. Redmond?”

“Who attacked her?”

“She told us it was a fan, who apparently became a stalker.”

“Hank Pierson? The jerk from the book signing?”

A weak, “Yes,” from her.

“So much for a restraining order.”

“Dr. Shannon, you need to rest. When you wake up you’ll be stronger. We’ll move you to a room in the hospital as soon as one opens up. Meanwhile, we’ll take care of you down here.” To Nick, he asked, “Will you stay with her?”

“Of course. I’ll stay as long as she’s hospitalized.”

He never wanted to leave her again.

* * *

“Arrgh.” Noreen awoke to pain everywhere. It hurt to even move her hands. Her feet. She struggled to counteract it but she couldn’t. “Ah….”

“Hello, darling.” Her mother’s voice soothed her.

“M-mom?”

“I’m here, sweetie.”

She opened her eyes, and everything was blurry. Then it cleared some. “I can’t see very well.”

“One of your eyes is swollen shut.” Another voice.