Chapter 6: St. Jude’s Free Clinic**
The clinic was a modest brick building tucked behind an overgrown pine grove, run on donations and volunteer staff. When Dominic stepped inside, the sterile smell of antiseptic hit him immediately.
A middle-aged nurse intercepted him at the reception desk. "Visiting hours are over, sir."
"I'm looking for Elena Vance," Dominic pleaded, holding out both hands, palms open, showing no aggression, only sheer vulnerability. "Please. I'm the father. I just need to know if she's alright."
The nurse studied the exhaustion etched into his features—the rumpled suit, dark under-eye circles, and genuine terror in his eyes.
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"She had a severe case of exhaustion and early contractions brought on by stress," the nurse said softly. "The doctor stabilized her, but she checked herself out two hours ago against our advice. She said she couldn't afford to be found."
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