Against All Odds Read online

  “Calm down,” he told himself. “There’s plenty of time. Labor can take hours, even more than a day—especially for a first baby.”

  That was true, wasn’t it?

  His mind went back to the warm summer day Zoey had gone into labor. Macy’s water probably broke and the contractions had just gotten intense.

  They had plenty of time. He hoped.

  Traffic seemed worse than normal, and he also managed to get every red light on the way to Macy and Luke’s house. Every single one.

  He finally pulled into their neighborhood. The house looked perfectly normal from the outside. Unlike the chaos he imagined inside.

  Once parked in the driveway, he flew out of the car. He didn’t bother knocking, and as expected, the door was unlocked.

  “Macy!”

  “In here!” Her voice came from the direction of the bedroom.

  Alex ran over. “Where are your bags?”

  His sister was pacing the room with both hands on her back and breathing heavily.

  “Where are the bags?”

  She stopped pacing and turned to him. “I don’t think I’m going to make it.”

  “You think you’re going to die?” Alex exclaimed.

  Macy shook her head and took some more deep breaths. “No, Alex. I think the baby’s going to come before we get there.”

  He just stared at her for a moment, then shook his head. “You’ll make it.”

  “The contractions are too close together.” She went back to pacing and breathing heavily.

  “We have to try! Come on.”

  “Alex, trust me on this. There isn’t time.” Macy’s eyes widened and she clutched her stomach before screaming.

  His stomach twisted in knots and his mind went back to Ariana’s birth. Everything was a blur in his mind, especially with his sister yelling.

  He raced over, put his arms around her, and guided her to the bed. Instead of sitting, Macy put her hands on it and squatted.

  “What are you doing? You need to lay down!”

  She shook her head and squeezed the covers. “This is more… natural than… laying.”

  “So the baby can land on its head? If we’re going to do this here, you need to lay down, okay? What do you want—the bed or the couch?”

  Macy rested her head on the covers and yelled again.

  “What am I supposed to do?” He vaguely recalled hearing something about towels and boiling water. For what, he had no idea. “I’ll call Luke!”

  His sister screamed again.

  Alex rubbed her back, feeling like an idiot. He needed to do something. Get on the ground to catch the baby?

  Macy stopped yelling and went back to pacing.

  “I really think you’re supposed to be on the bed.”

  She shook her head and wiped sweat from her brow. “Walking is better.”

  “Then why did the hospital have Zoey on the bed?”

  Macy took several deep breaths. “When have you ever known hospitals to go the natural route?”

  “I have no idea, but I can’t imagine the baby being born on the floor is a good idea.”

  “That’s not how it works. Someone’s supposed to be there to guide the baby out.”

  “I’m calling Luke and our parents. They’re all heading to the hospital.” And any one of them could catch the baby. No way did Alex want that kind of responsibility. He was just supposed to drive her to the hospital! “Are you going to be okay?”

  “I’m fine until the next wave hits.”

  Alex whipped out his phone and called his brother-in-law, who didn’t answer. “He must be driving. I’ll text him.”

  If Macy heard, she didn’t respond.

  Next, Alex called his dad.

  “Are you at the hospital?” he answered.

  “That fast? No, Macy says the baby’s almost here and there isn’t enough time.”

  “What?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  Macy cried out again.

  “Those are close! When are you going to get here, Dad?”

  “We’re going to have to turn around and buy some masks at the store.”

  “Do you know where Luke is?”

  “Stuck on the freeway. There’s a bad accident that has traffic stopped. He’s nowhere near an exit.”

  Alex tugged on his hair. “Of course he’s not. Hurry, okay?”

  “We’ll do our best. Do you need us to get anything at the store?”

  “I’ll ask Macy.” Alex covered the phone and asked his sister, who just waved him off and continued pacing. “She’s distracted, Dad. What am I supposed to do?”

  “Put some towels on the bed and get her to sit on them.”

  “That’ll be easier said than done.”

  “Huh?”

  “Never mind. I’ll see you when you get here.” Alex ended the call and brought over every towel from the linen closet and spread them on the bed. “Macy, come on over here.”

  She turned and started to say something, but then clutched her stomach again and screamed.

  He ran over and guided her to the bed. Thankfully, she crawled on top of the towels without complaint.

  Once she quieted, she turned to Alex. “You’re going to have to deliver my baby.”

  Everything other than his sister disappeared from his vision.

  “Alex?”

  “Um, okay. Sure. What am I supposed to do?”

  “Start by washing your hands.”

  “Right.” Alex headed for the bathroom and texted Luke, not that it sounded like he’d be there in time.

  Fight

  Nick pounded on Corrine’s door.

  The door flung open and his ex-wife glared at him. “What’s wrong with you?”

  He stormed inside, pushing past her. “I should ask you the same thing.”

  “What are you talking about?” she demanded.

  Nick clenched his fists and jutted his jaw. “Our daughter.”

  “What?”

  “This is all your fault!”

  “Would you keep your voice down? The kids are both sleeping. I couldn’t get them to calm down until after midnight.”

  He stepped closer. “And whose fault is that?”

  “Why don’t you tell me?”

  “Yours!”

  “Nick, would you calm down and start making some sense?”

  “Sure thing.” He pulled out his phone and found the first picture of the sketches. “How about this?”

  Corrine glanced at the screen, then color drained from her face. “What’s that?”

  “A picture of Dave, wouldn’t you say?”

  “But I mean, what’s it for? Who drew that? And why?”

  Nick swiped over to the next sketch of her ex-boyfriend.

  Corrine’s mouth dropped, then she sat down. She knew without Nick having to say a word.

  But that wasn’t going to stop him. He swiped over to the next one. “These are what people say the school shooter looks like. He bears a striking resemblance to your stewardess boyfriend, doesn’t he?”

  For once in her life, Corrine appeared to be speechless.

  “And Ava’s missing. That must be a coincidence, don’t you think? Or wait. Is it? His perverted son is probably upset about not being able to finish what he started. Think Dave took her so his creepy kid can get his way with her?”

  “Can… can I see those again?”

  Nick handed her the phone.

  She swiped the screen, slumping further down the chair each time. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Corrine shoved the phone in Nick’s palm, then bolted out of the room. Sounds of her retching came from down the hallway.

  At least that indicated his ex wasn’t involved in the whole ordeal.

  Nick paced the living room, a slight wave of nostalgia running through him. Almost all the furniture had been in their home. They’d picked it out together before she decided to rip their family apart.

  Most everything in Nick’s a
partment had been handed down from friends and family or had been garage sale purchases. He’d been lucky to keep his prize Mustang the way her lawyer had played dirty, even managing to get the judge to allow her to move across the country with the kids—where she would meet Dave.

  Nick had half a mind to find both the attorney and judge and inform them of their parts in the school shooting.

  Corrine stumbled back into the living room. “You’re telling the truth? Dave is actually the gunman?”

  “According to the witnesses.”

  She put her palms over her face and mumbled something he couldn’t understand. A minute later, she looked up at him. “Do you have any leads on where he is?”

  “No. Do you have any idea?”

  She shook her head. “I didn’t even know he was in the area. We broke up, and I made it clear we were through. No more contact.”

  “Looks like he listens as well as his kid.” Nick walked around the room, studying pictures of the kids—pictures he hadn’t seen in a long time. “I have to ask, did you have anything to do with this?”

  Corrine actually looked hurt. “Of course not! Do you think I’d put my daughter at risk?”

  “She was sexually assaulted on your watch.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Nick. Mason felt her up, then Ava got away. Boys did worse stuff than that at school when we were kids. Teachers said boys would be boys. You remember how it was.”

  Nick clenched his jaw. “Unwanted fondling is sexual assault. Don’t try to play it down. Your boyfriend’s son assaulted our daughter.”

  Corrine sat and looked at her hands.

  He almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

  Silence hung in the air between them until she glanced back up at him. “Why are you here and not at work? Shouldn’t you be trying to solve this rather than making me feel bad?”

  He laughed bitterly.

  “What?”

  “You’re unbelievable.”

  “Why?”

  “Your whole argument against me has always been that I spend too much time at work. I’m married to my job, you said. The kids barely recognize me. I work and sleep, and nothing else. Now you’re upset that I’m not there.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “What is it like, then?” He stared her down.

  “Our daughter is missing! You’re wasting your time being here when you should be hunting Dave down.”

  “You do realize that I can’t be on the case, don’t you? The fact that Ava’s missing prevents me. In fact, I’ve agreed to take a leave of absence.”

  “Now, of all times?” She jumped up. “You need to be working now more than ever!”

  Nick stormed toward the door, then turned back and glared at her. “If you think of anything that could help, call the station. I’ll be here to pick up the kids on Friday, just like usual.” He flung open the door, and just as he did, a police cruiser pulled up in front of the house. “Looks like you won’t have to call, after all.”

  Her face paled even more. “I’m not a suspect, am I?”

  “I wouldn’t know. I’m not on the case. But you might want to call your lawyer. He’s good at getting you what you think you deserve.”

  Corrine’s mouth dropped. “Nick, don’t go.”

  “Funny. I remember saying the same thing to you when you moved my kids across the country from me.” He stepped outside and slammed the door.

  Time

  Alex wiped Macy’s forehead. “You’re doing great.”

  She continued her rhythmic breathing and didn’t look at him.

  He brought the glass of water to her mouth and pushed the straw to her lips. She drank a little.

  “Can I get you anything else?”

  Macy shook her head, taking deep breaths.

  “Some more ibuprofen?”

  “No. It’s not helping! And besides, I’m a little pissed at you for talking me into that after I told you I wanted this to be natural.”

  “I’m fine with that. Do you want another—?”

  “Where’s Luke?” She pushed the glass away and gasped for air.

  Alex set it on the nightstand. “Stuck in traffic. His last text said he finally got off the freeway but the side streets are stopped.”

  “He didn’t text and drive, did he?” She drew in deep breaths.

  “I’m sure he didn’t.”

  “Where’s Zoey?” she demanded.

  Alex jumped up to his feet. “I need to get you fresh water.”

  She glared at him and wiped sweat from her forehead. “Why do you keep changing the subject when I bring her up?”

  “I’m not.” His tone gave away his lie.

  “You’re a horrible liar!” She squeezed her pillow.

  He was out of practice since turning his life around. “I—”

  Macy yelled again and closed her eyes, clutching her stomach.

  Alex grabbed her hand, and she squeezed so hard he expected to feel bones crunching.

  As soon as she stopped, she gasped for air and met Alex’s gaze. She released a string of profanities. “This one has to be it! You’re going to have to help the baby out!”

  His stomach tightened. In between Macy’s contractions, he’d looked up directions online. “Can’t you just wait a little longer? Luke’s almost here.”

  She looked at him like he was crazy. His suggestion was, but if there was any chance she could hold off, he wanted to throw that out there.

  “You can do this, Alex!” Macy hiked up her oversized shirt to her waist.

  He immediately turned the other way.

  “Come on! The next one might be it!” She screamed, more sweat forming around her hairline.

  “How do you know?” Alex exclaimed, still looking away.

  “I can just tell! Grow up. This isn’t anything you’ve never seen before!”

  “You’re my sister! I’ve never seen that before.”

  “Stop being a baby! I need you to do this!”

  He took a deep breath. “Okay. You’re right.” Suddenly, a wave of pride washed through him. He wanted to do this, to help out Macy and his little niece or nephew.

  Alex climbed on the bed and focused on Macy’s face.

  She gasped for air, then gave him a little smile. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means to me.”

  “I’m happy to help. Really.”

  Macy took a deep breath. “Where’s Zoey?”

  Not this again. The last thing Macy needed right now was to worry about her best friend. She could find out later.

  “Alex?” She glared at him.

  “She really wants to be here. I swear. More than anything. She just, uh—”

  Macy yelled out and closed her eyes.

  Relief washed through Alex, but only for a moment. Until he realized the baby was going to come this time—if his sister was right. And it was his job to get it out.

  She screamed louder, and it seemed longer, than the times before.

  He peeked down at the birthing site. Sure enough, the top of a head was already showing. Alex’s pulse raced through his body. He couldn’t remember a thing he’d read.

  Why had he agreed to this? And why wasn’t anyone else here? How had it ended up being him? What if he messed this up? There were two lives in his hands.

  Something in the living room caught his attention. Luke was throwing off his coat and removing his shoes.

  “We’re in here!” Alex called, then felt stupid. Of course they were in there. The entire neighborhood could probably hear Macy.

  Luke raced in. “Just let me wash my hands.” He kissed Macy’s cheek. “I’m here, babe.”

  Alex stayed in position until Luke returned from the bathroom. His heart pounded and his knees nearly gave out as he stumbled into the living room.

  In the bedroom, he heard Luke coaching and encouraging Macy. He, at least, sounded like he knew what he was doing. It was almost like they had planned it this way.

  Alex crashed on the couch and took
deep breaths of his own. A few minutes later, his parents burst inside, both wearing yellow masks over their mouths and noses.

  Macy’s cries stopped, then a tiny cry began.

  “It’s a boy!” Luke called out.

  Alex exchanged excited glances with his parents before they all made their way to the bedroom.

  Macy was fully covered, and both she and Luke held the tiny crying baby.

  His nephew. Alex was an uncle!

  Alex ran over and put his arm around Macy, then embraced Luke. “Congratulations, you guys! What’s his name?”

  The new parents exchanged a glance. Macy turned to Alex. “We’re stuck between two. We’ll let you all know as soon as we decide.”

  Alex stared proudly at the little guy. “Welcome to the world.”

  Conflicted

  Genevieve peeked into Nick’s office after a full minute of knocking without a response. Papers lay strewn all over, but Nick wasn’t there.

  Maybe he’d been called out somewhere since everyone else was busy with the shooting and two missing persons.

  She stepped inside, picked up the loose papers, and stacked them on his desk before looking around for any sign of where he may have gone.

  There was none. Not that she should’ve expected anything.

  Genevieve went over to Detective Anderson’s desk. “Have you seen the captain?”

  “He’s taking a leave of absence.”

  She gave him a double-take. “Since when?”

  It had barely been two hours since she last saw him, and he hadn’t said anything to her. But then again, he’d also been upset and distracted.

  Her stomach tightened. Was he avoiding her? She swallowed and tried to hide her worry. “Do you know why?”

  “He’s too upset over his missing daughter.” The detective’s tone held a “duh” to it.

  Her face flamed. “Right, of course. Any new developments?”

  “I heard we have the name of a potential suspect, but I don’t know any details. I’m looking some stuff up for the feds.”

  “Thanks.” Genevieve spun around and fled to her desk before she could make a bigger fool of herself. She had to pull herself together. The last thing either she or Nick needed was for anyone to figure out what had happened between them the night before.