Julian: Doctor, please tell me they're going to be okay!
Julian paced back and forth in the waiting room of the hospital, his shirt sleeves rolled up, his knuckles white as he clutched his hands together. Detective Reyes stood nearby, holding a thick manila folder of legal documents.
Doctor: Mr. Vance, calm down. I have good news for you.
Julian: How is my wife? How is our baby?
Doctor: Your wife suffered severe bruising and a minor concussion from the fall, but miraculously, her thick clothing absorbed most of the impact. The internal bleeding was caught early enough to prevent placental abruption.
Julian: And the baby's heartbeat?
Doctor: Strong and steady. We were able to stop the early labor contractions with medication. Both mother and child are out of danger, but she will need complete bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.
Julian dropped into a chair, putting his head in his hands as a massive wave of emotional relief washed over him.
Julian: Thank God... thank God...
Detective Reyes: You have a brave wife, Julian. If she hadn't kept her head clear on that floor, we wouldn't have caught those two red-handed.
Julian: What's going to happen to Evelyn and Jessica now?
Detective Reyes: The magistrate denied bail for both of them an hour ago. Given the live audio recording, the physical evidence on the stairs, and the forensic audit showing the embezzled four million dollars, they're facing multiple federal and state charges.
Julian: Will they go to trial?
Detective Reyes: Their lawyer is already begging for a plea deal, but the District Attorney wants to make an example out of them. Jessica is looking at fifteen years for attempted murder and aggravated assault. Evelyn will get at least ten years for grand larceny, forgery, and witness tampering.
Julian: Good. I want them to pay for every single second of pain they caused Clara.
The doctor opened the door to the recovery room, smiling warmly at Julian.
Doctor: She's awake now, Mr. Vance. You can go in and see her.