Ian paced. He could see little of what was going on in the delivery room, and he felt so helpless. His mind churned with thoughts of how to get himself, Dinah, and their baby out of this mess. He had only one solution, which he never thought he would have to resort to. Shaking his head, Ian pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number.
To many people, Jonas Sonheim was a son-of-a-bitch. To others, he was an angel. Jonas ran one of the largest corporations in the city, providing jobs in manufacturing, transportation, export – the list was long. He was also philanthropic, donating his money and time in a variety of ways. Jonas found that in donating to legitimate charities in a big way, he could be a part of not-so-legitimate enterprises and be rather protected in doing so. Or so he thought.
Jonas loved being a part of something that not only skirted the boundaries of being legitimate, but also would make him lots of money. And he really didn't care how the whole thing worked, or who got hurt in the process, as long as he was protected as an investor and he got a good return on his money. He had his sights set on being in the political game, yet still wanted to rake in the big bucks. His company afforded him a great umbrella for many different schemes, as long as he was careful not to get caught.
When Jonas' cell phone rang, he was not pleased to hear the story being told from the other end. The color drained from his face as he listened to the voice.
"Mr. Sonheim, are you aware of the type of business that your name is very much tied to?"
Jonas gulped a mouthful of stale air. His mouth went dry.
"Who is this?!"
"Never mind who this is for now. Suffice it to say that I have enough evidence to link you and your industry to major contributions to this Clinic. I have a paper trail a mile long. Your money and your name are everywhere. Those whom you paid to protect you did a shitty job, Mr. Sonheim. If this Clinic does not allow certain people to leave its care, then everything will be exposed. Including you. You will be contacted with details of what is required to keep you and your investments safe and quiet."
The phone went dead. Jonas looked around his office. He saw the pictures on the wall of him with presidents and world leaders. He saw the photo of his beloved family. He knew his bid for public office would be ruined if his interests in this Clinic were exposed.
A short time later, a second call came. The caller revealed details that only an insider would know. He outlined what it would take from Jonas to keep things quiet and to keep Jonas' name out of the scandal. When the call was finished, Jonas knew what he needed to do. He grabbed his coat and headed to his car. He had to see Aurora Pritchett.
Back at the clinic, Ian was sleeping in the lounge in the waiting room.
"Ian?" The raven-haired young woman shook him gently. "Ian ... wake up ..."
Ian opened his eyes slowly. The room became clearer, as did the face of his friend, Ariel. She had been the attending nurse in the delivery room with Dinah.
"Wha ...? Ariel, what happened? Is everyone okay? Is Dinah okay? The baby ... what about the ba ...."
"Shhh." Ariel placed her hand against his mouth. "Everyone's fine, Ian. It was a close call, and Dinah lost a lot of blood, but she and the baby are strong. She had a girl."
Ian's breath left him in a rush, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He slumped in the chair, allowing the news to sink in.
"Can I see her? Them?" He searched Ariel's face.
"I will have to sneak you back. Most of the staff is aware of what has happened with Dinah, Ian, and they're on your side. But the guards – that's a different story. They're on Dr. Pritchett's payroll and they've been ordered to keep you away. Let's go put you in some surgical scrubs. That will hide you a bit – your breeder scrubs give you away."
Ariel took Ian's hand and led him back to the prep area. She found him some green scrubs, a mask and a cap. She helped him gown and then took him to the surgical elevators, which were well away from the public ones.
Inside the elevator, Ariel spoke again: "Ian, the baby will be transferred to her new home in a week."
"I know." He said, looking at the floor. "I'm going to have to do something before then. Somehow I have to get them out of here, without jeopardizing everyone's job ..."
"Don't worry so much about all of us, Ian. For a long time, I've wondered about the legitimacy of our 'work' here. I've wondered how corrupt things would get. Now I know, and I can't stand behind it any longer. I planned on getting out soon anyway. As have a lot of the people we know."
Ian looked at Ariel. Such a beautiful woman, with such a bright future. Why didn't he notice before? He stepped over and took her into his arms in a long, warm hug.
"You know, I've always cared about you, Ariel. You're a great friend and a great nurse. I'm sure you'll land on your feet somewhere."
He kissed her. He kissed her for the good news she brought, he kissed her for her friendship. The kiss was long, and slow, and deep. When it was over, they both looked into each others' eyes, knowing it was also a kiss of goodbye.
The elevator doors slid open. Ariel looked deep into Ian's eyes: "Go down this hall to the end, then to the right. Put your mask on, as there will be guards down there. Take this clipboard. It will make you look more legitimate. Room 5112. Go. Hurry!"
Ariel pushed him from the elevator and then allowed the doors to close between them. He was now on his own.
As Ian made his way to Dinah, Dr. Pritchett opened the door to her airy office to begin her day.
"Well, Aurora. So good of you to finally come in!"
