Chapter 6 - THE NIGHT HOPE STOPPED BREATHING
Hope was eleven days old when the NICU monitor began screaming.
I was sitting beside her incubator, reading aloud from Owen's favorite children's book.
She had gained four ounces.
Her breathing had improved.
For the first time, the doctors were discussing when she might come home.
Then her oxygen level dropped.
A nurse rushed toward us.
Another called the neonatologist.
I stepped backward.
“What's happening?”
No one answered immediately.
Hope's tiny chest moved irregularly.
I knew the equipment.
I knew the alarms.
I knew the procedures.
But knowing didn't make me less terrified.
Dr. Mercer arrived with the neonatal team.
They stabilized Hope and adjusted her respiratory support.
After several agonizing minutes, her oxygen levels improved.
I gripped the edge of the chair.
“Is she okay?”
The neonatologist looked at me.
“She had an apnea episode. Premature infants can experience these. We'll monitor her closely.”
I nodded.
But my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
That evening, Paige found me in the hospital chapel.
I was sitting in the back row, holding Owen's wedding ring.
“I thought I was losing her,” I whispered.
Paige sat beside me.
“I know.”
I looked at her.
“I can't do this alone.”
She took my hand.
“You aren't alone.”
I shook my head.
“Owen should be here.”
Paige's eyes filled.
“I know.”
We sat in silence.
Then she said something unexpected.
“Hannah, there's something I need to tell you.”
I turned.
“What?”
Paige looked toward the chapel door.
“The day Grant hit you, the security camera was working.”
I stared.
“What?”
“The hallway camera.”
My heartbeat quickened.
“Administration said it malfunctioned.”
Paige shook her head.
“No.”
She swallowed.
“I saw the footage before it disappeared.”
I sat straighter.
“Who deleted it?”
Paige hesitated.
Then whispered:
“The hospital's chief operating officer.”
My stomach tightened.
“Daniel Mercer?”
May you like
She nodded.
“And I think he was working with Victor Wexler.”
