Murder in the Maternity Ward

by Michelle Francik

  “Come on, Ashanti, I’ll protect you. Look, they aren’t hurting me.” Maggie walked through the chicken coop towards the rows of nesting boxes in the back. She reached into one and pulled out a brown egg, placing it in the basket slung over her arm.

  “Why’s that egg all brown? Ain’t it supposed to be white?”

  “No, eggs come in all kinds of colors. Some are speckled, too.” Maggie picked up a few more eggs and turned to check on her friend.

  Ashanti was standing still, watching the chickens run around the coop, a look of fear on her face. She looked up as Maggie walked nearer.

  “Do you want to check out the milking station?”

  “I don’t have to touch no cows, do I?”

  “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’m just showing you around, is all.”

  She followed Maggie out the gate and watched as she carefully latched the door.

  They walked across the yard and entered a big, red barn with white trim. Adam was seated on a stool, milking a huge cow.

  “No way! You’re touching a cow. In a white suit.”

  Adam laughed. “She’s not wearing a suit, my friend.”

  Ashanti scoffed. “I ain’t yo friend and you know I ain’t talkin’ bout that cow. How can you be in a barn full of animals and still look clean?”

  Adam sat back and patted the cow on her side. He stood up, brushing his hands on his thighs. As he walked towards them, Ashanti made a strange noise.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Um. I don’t know.” She looked down and Maggie’s eyes followed. She was standing in a puddle of water, some still dripping down her legs.

  “Adam, get Garrett. Her water just broke.” Maggie grabbed her friend’s arm and turned the dumbstruck woman towards the door. “Don’t worry, Ashanti. We’ll go to the house, clean you up and grab your bag; then Garrett will drive us to the hospital.

  “Hey, Maggie?” Adam’s hesitant voice stopped her in her tracks. “Garrett went into town for some feed. He’s not due back for at least a couple of hours.”

  “Alrighty, then, I’ll drive us to the hospital.” Maggie started to march out the door, but again, Adam’s voice stopped her.

  “I can take you. Let me put Lizbeth in the pasture and I’ll meet you at the car.” He grabbed the cow’s harness and led her outside.

  Maggie hustled her towards the house, but she stopped and wouldn’t budge. “I seen him drive. You ain’t gonna let him drive are you?” Ashanti’s voice trembled and her eyes were huge with fear, but Maggie reassured her.

  “Adam only drives like that to get Garrett riled up. He’s actually a really good, safe driver.” She took her arm and started walking again, only to have Ashanti stop in her tracks and grab her belly. Her face went white and Maggie could tell she was having a contraction. When it ended, she blew out her breath and started walking again, faster this time.

  “I guess I ain’t got no choice. This baby decided she’s ready to come into this here world and I ain’t about to let her be one of them kids that was born in a barn.”

  Maggie tried to hold back her laughter, but she just couldn’t do it. A belly laugh escaped her, and she giggled merrily all the way to the farmhouse.

  Maggie took the cup of steaming coffee from Adam’s hands and thanked him before taking a tentative sip. He was watching her face and grinned when her face scrunched up at the taste.

  “Sorry, Maggie, it’s all they had.”

  “I know. Thank you, Adam. It’s not your fault they don’t have Reed’s gift for coffee makin’.” She took another sip.

  “Do you think she’ll be okay?” The anxiety in his voice made her look up. He was shifting from foot to foot and looking up and down the hall.

  Grinning, she replied, “Of course she will. She’s just having a baby, Adam, chill out!”

  He looked down at her, startled. She grinned and patted the seat beside her. “Have a seat. It could be awhile.”

  He sat down and immediately started fidgeting. She placed her hand on his arm and he looked up at her.

  “Seriously, she’ll be okay. But if you don’t settle down, I’m going to ask Nurse Jackson to sedate you.”

  His eyes grew wide at her threat, but he was too wound up. “I get your meaning, Maggie. I’ll try to settle down. It’s just, she’s in there all alone and she must be scared.”

  “I know. I asked if I could go in, but they told me I’m too close to my own delivery date and they don’t want me getting too stressed.”

  “I thought about asking if she wanted me in there, but I was afraid she’d punch my lights out.” He chuckled. “She sure has a lot of spunk.”

  Maggie looked over at him. Adam acted as if he didn’t like Ashanti, but maybe she was growing on him. “Do you want me to ask her?”

  “Would you? I’d feel better knowing someone was with her.”

  She grinned and held out her hand. “Help me stand up and I’ll see if they’ll let me in for a minute.”

  He helped her up and she went to the doorway of Ashanti’s room. The nurse looked up and waved her in. Maggie walked over to Ashanti who was between contractions and took her hand.

  “How’s it going, mama?”

  “I’m over it. As soon as Jayla’s born, she’s getting’ a whoopin’ for puttin’ me through all this.”

  Maggie lifted a washcloth from a basin of ice water and gently wiped her friend’s face. “Just remember, at the end of this you’ll have a beautiful little girl to love and cherish forever.”

  “That’s if I make it through,” Ashanti muttered. “This ain’t no fun, Miss Maggie.”

  “I know. It’ll be my turn soon enough and I’m already terrified.”

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinkin’ ‘bout that. I shouldn’t be upsettin’ you. It’s just harder than I expected. And if I’m being truthful, I’m kinda scared.”

  “I figured. That’s why I’m here. Adam wanted me to ask you a question.”

  Ashanti’s face went white and she gripped the rails on the bed. “You’d better ask fast cause I’m about to have another contraction. I can’t be held ‘countable for what I say when I’m in pain.”

  “He wanted to know if you’d like him to come in and stay with you through the birth.”

  “What the heck? I don’t want him seein’ me like this.”

  “Okay, I’ll tell him.” She looked over at the nurse who signaled it was time for her to go. “The nurse is making me leave now but I’ll check back in a bit.”

  “No! No! Oh my goodness gracious. This baby is ripping me apart. Tell white cowboy to come on in. But if he makes fun of me, I’ll kick him in the crotch.” She arched up in pain and let out a moan.

  “Okay, I’ll send him in.” She looked at the nurse who nodded her okay, and she hurried out of the room.

  “That was her, wasn’t it? What’s happening?” Adam was standing outside the door, wringing his hands and pacing back and forth.

  “Yes, she’s having a strong contraction. She said you can go in, but she threatened to kick you in the family jewels if you make fun of her.” Adam didn’t even wait for her to finish the threat; he left her standing in the hall by herself.

  She peeked in the doorway and watched as Adam walked over to Ashanti and took her hand in his. “I’m here now, Ashanti, and I ain’t leaving until we have us a baby. You just focus on my voice and we’ll get through this together. Now breathe with me. Breathe in, breathe out. Squeeze my hand. Squeeze as hard as you want to, I can take it.”

  Maggie backed away slowly, amazed at the gentleness in her brother-in-law’s voice. She bumped into something hard, and strong, warm arms wrapped around her. She turned and looked up into Garrett’s eyes. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, taking her breath away as always.

  “Why were you backing out of the room?” Garrett stepped back and she immediately felt the loss. She was grateful Adam had stepped in to be there for Ashanti. She didn’t know what she’d do
without Garrett. She was a strong woman--a gun-toting U.S. Marshal--but right now, she needed to feel his arms around her.

  “She’s really hurting, and she’s scared, Garrett. They wouldn’t let me stay, so Adam stepped in. To be honest, I’m glad. Watching her have contractions scared the heck out of me.”

  He pulled her back into his arms, holding her against his chest and stroking her hair. “Aren’t you the woman who single-handedly saved Susan and Reed from a bunch of bad guys just a few months ago?”

  “Not single-handedly but thank you for that revision of history.” She looked up at him and grinned, then led him over to some chairs in the corner of the waiting room. Once they were seated, her fears tumbled out.

  “Being a marshal is a lot easier than being pregnant, Garrett. I know how to be a marshal. I’ve been so excited about having this baby--knowing we created it together, and it’ll be part of each of us. But watching Ashanti’s labor made me realize I’ve been dreaming. It’s not going to be all poodles and sunshine.”

  “Poodles and sunshine?”

  “Oh, you know what I mean. I never can get those sayings right. Lollipops and snickerdoodles? Something like that, anyway.”

  “I think you mean rainbows and butterflies, but I like your version better.”

  “Whatever. I guess the reality is starting to set in and I’m getting cold feet.”

  Garrett grinned and took her hand in his. “It’s normal to be scared, Mags. I’m scared, too. I realize it’s harder for you, carrying our babe and all, but believe me, it affects me as well. We love each other and we’ll be there to handle it all--together.” He sat back and looked her in the eye. “Plus, we have a ton of babysitters so if it gets too bad, we’ll just drop the kid off, change our names and start a new life somewhere far, far away.”

  Maggie swatted his arm and made a face. “That’s not funny, you. We’d never leave this child, no matter what. But I do appreciate you trying to make me laugh.”

  “So, what’s this about Adam?” Garrett smoothly shifted the gears of the conversation.

  “Your brother volunteered to be with Ashanti through her labor. And, wonder of wonders, she accepted.”

  “Well, that don’t surprise me much. He’s not called the calf whisperer for nothing.”

  “The calf whisperer? I don’t think I’ve heard that before.”

  “When we were teenagers, the veterinarian would call on Adam to help him out when the cows were giving birth. Especially if it was expected to be a rough one. Somehow that boy got a gift. He can calm down even the most distraught heifer and keep her calm throughout. He’s also great with the calves when their mama rejects them. He’s nursed more than a few in his day.”

  “Don’t you ever say that to Ashanti.” Maggie looked at him in horror.

  “Why? What did I say?”

  Realizing he was genuinely confused, she explained it to him. “Ashanti isn’t a cow to be soothed. She’s a human being and I’m pretty sure if she caught wind of this, she’d be more than a little offended.”

  He scratched his chin while he thought about it and she lost her patience. “Would you dare to call me a heifer?”

  His eyes widened with sudden understanding. “I get it now and I apologize if it sounded like I was saying that about your friend. I didn’t mean anything of the sort, and you know it.”

  Satisfied that he understood her, she nodded. “I know it. But she might not. So, let’s never speak of this again.”

  A scream rang out from Ashanti’s hospital room and Maggie held her breath, gripping Garrett’s hand tightly. A moment later, a baby’s cry made her heart swell and tears filled her eyes. She leaned into Garrett and he held her in his arms. Before long, Adam emerged from the room, eyes as big as saucers.

  “Is she okay? Is the baby okay?”

  Adam looked at her and nodded, so full of emotion he couldn’t even speak. Garrett helped Maggie up and they stood, waiting for Adam to collect his thoughts.

  His eyes shined with unshed tears as he looked at his brother. “Man, that was amazing. I’ve never seen a baby get born before. It’s the most incredible thing.” Garrett reached out and pulled his brother into his arms.

  A nurse poked her head out of Ashanti’s room. “Maggie? Your friend’s asking for you. You can go in for a few minutes, but mom and baby need to rest.”

  Maggie nodded and felt a lump rise in her throat. She looked over at Garrett who smiled his encouragement, then she entered the hospital room. Ashanti smiled at her and looked down. “Maggie, meet Jayla. Jayla, this is Maggie.” In her arms was a beautiful baby girl. Deep molasses curls covered her head and her tiny fingers were wrapped around Ashanti’s thumb.

  “She’s perfect, Ashanti. So perfect.”

  She grinned and nodded; her eyes filled with tears. “She’s worth all that pain and sufferin’ I just went through, that’s for sure. And it’s only going to get better from now on.”

  The nurse walked over and checked the monitors. “You need to get some rest now, young lady. You’ve been through a lot.”

  Maggie knew that was her cue, so she leaned forward and placed a kiss on the baby’s head, then one on her mama’s cheek. “You done good, girl. You done good.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Oh, she’s so precious!” Susan kissed Jayla on her tiny nose and reluctantly handed her back to her mother. “How are you feeling, Ashanti?”

  “Tired mostly. It’s exhausting to push a 9-pound bowling ball out your hoo-haw.”

  Susan laughed and turned to Maggie. “And how about you? You ready for this rodeo?”

  “I’m ready for it to be over so I can hold my own little bundle of joy, but I’m not ready for the actual delivery part.” Maggie shuddered and the other two women chuckled.

  “Time for visitors to go; mama and baby need their rest.” The sound of the nurse’s voice made Maggie cringe. There was something about him that made the hair stand up on the back of her neck.

  Maggie and Susan said goodbye and walked out into the hall.

  “What’s the deal with that nurse?” Susan asked. “He gave me the creeps.”

  “You felt it, too? I thought it was just me. Ashanti didn’t seem bothered, so I’m sure it’s okay.” Maggie wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince herself or Susan. She tried to shake it off, but something was bothering her. “Did you see his name? I’m going to ask Nurse Jackson about him.”

  “The board on the wall said Ashanti’s nurse is Marcus.”

  Maggie stopped in her tracks and went pale. “Did you say Marcus?”

  “Yeah, why. You’re scaring me, Maggie.”

  “That’s the husband of one of our suspects.”

  “Oh, you mean for the murder? You have suspects?”

  Maggie started walking again. “Yes, we do. Three of them. After we talk with Nurse Jackson, how’d you like to do some investigating with me?”

  “Lead the way,” Susan replied.

  “Thank you for meeting with us, Nurse Jackson. I was just wondering what you know about Ashanti’s nurse, Marcus.”

  Nurse Jackson crossed her arms and looked down her nose at the two women. “Why are you asking me about a coworker.”

  Susan cleared her throat, trying to work up her courage. “He’s Ashanti’s nurse and both Maggie and I got an odd vibe from him. I know this hospital only hires the best, but we just wondered if there’s anything to be concerned about.”

  The nurse pursed her lips and looked back and forth between the two women. She looked up and down the hallway, then waved them into an empty room and shut the door. “You didn’t hear this from me, but apparently Marcus’ wife, Anastasia, moved out of their home and took their two kids with her. It seems she’s been unhappy with him for a while and when he filed a discrimination suit against Dr. Slade, she decided she’d had enough.”

  “You don’t think Marcus had anything to do with his murder, do you?” Maggie’s eyes gleamed with excitement and she held her breath as she waited for
her answer.

  “No, I’m sure he had nothing to do with it. He was in the delivery room with a patient all day. I heard it was a rough delivery and nobody left the room until the doctor was sure mom and baby were both all right.”

  Maggie’s breath rushed out in disappointment and she frowned. “What about his wife? Do you think she could’ve done it?”

  “I don’t know. I was surprised she had the gumption to leave Marcus. I honestly can’t see her working up enough anger to stab someone like that.”

  “I know this might be taking it too far, but do you think she could’ve been having an affair with Dr. Slade?”

  Nurse Jackson pursed her lips and crossed her arms again and Maggie was afraid she wasn’t going to answer. “I don’t like to ‘speculate about things like that, but I will say this. Anastasia was not his type and she seemed devoted to her husband. Just like I can’t see her stabbing anyone, I can’t see her violating her marital vows. But you just never know about people, so I can’t say for certain.”

  “Thank you for talking with us.” Maggie paused, “You don’t think Marcus would hurt Ashanti or Jayla, do you? I mean, he really does seem creepy.”

  “Marcus is a good nurse. He’s sad right now, missing his kids and wife and all, but no, I’m sure they’re getting good care. I’ll check in on her just to be sure, though.”

  “Thank you, Nurse Jackson. We appreciate it.”

  “Well, I’m glad she’s going to look in on Ashanti, but it looks like our suspect pool is getting shallower.” Maggie looked over at Susan who shrugged.

  “Isn’t that what you want? To narrow things down?”

  “Good point. I don’t know why but I’m feeling really let down.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. It couldn’t be because you’re pregnant and about to have a baby, could it?” Susan’s smirk brought a smile to Maggie’s face and she shook her head.

  “When did you get so smart?”

  “I’ve always been smart, but that’s beside the point. Who’s next on our list?”