Chapter 4: Safe Harbor
The ambulance arrived ten minutes later, its flashing red and blue lights reflecting off the grand windows of the estate. The paramedics were gentle, speaking soft assurances as they carefully transferred Claire onto a gurney.
At the hospital, the specialized trauma team acted with swift efficiency. Marcus stood outside the examination room door, his back straight, refusing to sit. Eleanor sat on the waiting room bench, clutching a small pair of knitted baby booties that Claire had been making.
After two grueling hours, the head doctor stepped out, pulling off her surgical mask.
""General Vance?"" she asked.
""How is my daughter? How is the baby?"" Marcus asked, his voice betraying his deep anxiety for the first time.
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The doctor offered a warm, reassuring smile. ""Your daughter has cracked ribs and severe bruising, but her inner strength saved that baby. The fetal heart rate is stable. The baby is a fighter, just like her mother.""
Marcus let out a breath he felt like he'd been holding for years.
