Chapter 7 - The Ultrasound Trap
Monday morning arrived under an overcast, chilly Manhattan sky.
Julian arrived at the Presbyterian Maternal Center wearing a tailored navy suit, accompanied by Lenora, who wore an expensive cashmere coat purchased on borrowed credit. They met Audrey in the VIP consultation room.
“Darling,” Lenora smiled sweetly, reaching out to embrace Audrey. “I want to put the past behind us. For the sake of my grandchild, we are family now.”
Audrey stepped back smoothly, avoiding the embrace. “Let us complete the examination first, Lenora.”
Dr. Harrison entered the room, accompanied by two medical assistants. He greeted Julian and Lenora politely before gesturing toward the examination screen.
“Mr. Mercer, Mrs. Voss,” Dr. Harrison began, reviewing the digital chart on his tablet. “Before we proceed with the transabdominal scan, the patient requested that we disclose the preliminary serum hCG blood panel conducted on Friday afternoon.”
Julian leaned forward eagerly. “What does it show, Doctor? Are the hormone levels strong?”
Dr. Harrison turned the tablet screen toward Julian.
“The serum hCG level is precisely zero,” Dr. Harrison stated with clinical neutrality. “There is no pregnancy. Ms. Bellamy is not, and has never been, pregnant.”
Julian froze. His smile turned into a grotesque grimace.
“What? That’s impossible! She told me she took three positive tests!” Julian turned toward Audrey, his voice rising in panic. “Audrey! What is the meaning of this? Did you miscarry?”
Audrey stood up from the examination table, completely composed, smoothing down her designer dress.
“I didn't miscarry, Julian,” Audrey said with chilling calmness. “Because I never was pregnant. You wanted a reason to come back after slapping me at the wedding. I gave you the only bait a greedy parasite couldn't resist.”
Lenora gasped, her face draining of all color. “You lied to us!”
“No, Lenora,” Audrey answered, looking directly into the older woman’s eyes. “I gave you an opportunity to reveal who you truly are. And you took every single step of the trap.”
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Before Julian could scream, two plainclothes detectives stepped into the consultation doorway.
“Julian Mercer, Lenora Voss,” Detective Miller announced. “You are required to accompany us to the Bellamy Boardroom for immediate deposition pursuant to a federal grand jury subpoena.”
