Page 122 of Missing Marcus

“I’m not in labor,” she reached for an excuse, knowing Jackie didn’t intend to let a little thing like labor stop her.

“Remove it and climb on.” The cold metal of the gun seeped through her shirt onto her belly, making the baby move in protest. Gabby didn’t like it much either.

She reached for the clear plastic and yanked it to the ground, still holding the edge. Gabby attempted to climb onto the bed, yet her belly hindered her.

Jackie let out an exaggerated sigh. “Poor Gabrielle. Now I know why your husband left you. You’re too fucking needy.” She placed the gun out of reach and neared Gabby to heft her onto the table.

Gabby threw the plastic around Jackie’s legs and yanked. The movement ripped through her belly as a sharp pain tore through her. She refused to stop as she reached for the tray. Jackie yanked her hair, sending her reeling and toppling over the instruments.

“You bitch,” Jackie screeched as she pulled on Gabby’s top.

Filled with desperation and panic, Gabby screamed in rage. She refused to let Jackie take her from Marcus when they finally found their way back to each other.

The gun lay to her left as she reared back, smashing Jackie’s nose and she rolled to her knees, trying to catch her breath. Jackie screeched and held her nose, giving her time to grab the blade from the floor and go for the gun.

Jackie fell on top of her and Gabby fought to scratch and bite her as they moved closer to the weapon. The pain in her belly turned sharper with the weight of the woman. She screamed and bucked with all her strength.

Jackie leaned over, within reach of the firearm and Gabby closed her eyes. Marcus’ face appeared and he urged her to fight for him and their child. Her fingers grasped the metal of the surgeon’s blade. As Jackie turned to shoot, Gabby thrust the blade upward into her foe’s neck and punched it hard. The feeling made her sick as she watched in horror as Jackie clasped her neck in surprise. Blood poured from the wound as Gabby shoved the gun away.

Pain tore through her abdomen and she crawled away toward the weapon, while Jackie stared at her in disbelief, trying to stem the blood running through her fingers. Gabby sobbed as she wiped her wet hands on her sides, refusing to taint her belly with Jackie’s blood.

She picked up the gun and pulled herself up. Gabby hung onto the rusty tables as she painstakingly made her way to the darkened corner, afraid the doctor Jackie mentioned might find her. Would Tex realize she was in trouble? The pain shot through her again, sending her to her knees. She whimpered, trying to remain quiet. The sound of the heavy door moving sent her scurrying.

Men dressed in black entered and stealthily cleared the room. One spotted her and held his hand up, signaling the other men. He slowly approached. Gabby raised the gun.

“Don’t come any closer. I’ll shoot you. If you don’t believe me, go find your friend,” she gritted out as her hand shook, thankful Marcus trained her how to use a firearm.

The man turned and signaled again. The door slid open, and Gabby scooted farther back as she held her stomach. The other men spread out, and a man ran toward her.

“Gabby, sweetheart. It’s me, Marcus.” He rushed toward her and took the shaking weapon from her hand.

“Marcus?”

“Yes, baby. Tex told us where to find you. Where are you hurt?” He leaned down to pick her up.

“No. There’s a doctor on his way. You have to stop him. He’s stealing babies,” she gritted out as a pain shot through her.

“Patch,” Knight called for his friend, who ran in with a bag.

Leo spoke through the coms, ordering the men as they prepared to catch the doctor.

“Gabby. Listen to me. Tell me where you feel the pain, darlin’.”

She moved her hand under her stomach and bit her lip to keep from crying out.

“Knight, grab the plastic on the table,” Patch ordered.

He ran, pulled the plastic sheet and returned, handing it to his friend.

“Gabby, I’m moving you onto the plastic. Even though we’re carrying you to the helo, it’ll still hurt. I’m not gonna lie. I can give you something for the pain.”

“Give it to her,” Knight demanded as he helped her slide onto the clear barrier.

She shook her head. “No. It might hurt the baby.”

Patch nodded and motioned for Knight to grab the other end. They exited from the back of the building, trying to remain gentle. Every bounce seemed to jar her as the men worked. Knight paused and scanned the area. He held up his hand, giving the signal to move. The two men raced to the helo and Patch spoke into the com.

“Leo, I gotta get her to the hospital.”

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