by Shawna Platt
Dr. Westcott shook her head. “I don’t know, Kinsey. Like I said, sometimes these things just happen. A nurse said she saw Tessa yesterday and she looked like she wasn’t feeling well.” She pulled up a chair and sat in front of Kinsey. “I’m sorry. This type of thing doesn’t happen here very often.”
Kinsey felt her anger building and she lashed out. “You truly don’t know, do you?”
Dr. Westcott looked confused. “Don’t know what? Miscarriages happen, Kinsey. Dr. Hartman said he did everything he could for Tessa and her baby.”
Kinsey shook her head and made solid eye contact with Dr. Westcott. “Yeah, I bet he did.” She allowed a moment of awkward silence. “Why was she brought in by security?”
Dr. Westcott shrugged her shoulders. “I truly don’t know. I heard she collapsed and they were the ones who brought her in.”
“I want to see her before she’s sent home.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Why don’t you go back to your room and I’ll talk to Dr. Hartman again. If he gives his approval for Tessa to have visitors, I’ll let you know and you can come see her before she leaves.”
Kinsey stood and started walking toward the door. “Thank you. I’ll wait to hear from you.” I won’t hold my breath.
Kinsey went back to her room and paced. When she was tired of pacing, she walked out on her patio and sat at the table. She watched some of the women in the program enjoying the park and swimming pool. She wondered how many of them were here against their will. How many had been bullied into the program with threats against their families? She knew some were here only because of the financial compensation and could care less about the child they were currently carrying.
She shook her head and tears found their way into her eyes again. All she could think about was Tessa, alone and scared. Once again, she cursed the program and all who were involved. How could they possibly live with themselves?
She looked out at the women again and felt sympathy for them. She made another vow to somehow make those responsible pay. She didn’t know how, but something had to be done.
When Kinsey hadn’t heard back from Dr. Westcott by that evening, she called the clinic. She was told the doctor was with a patient, but she’d leave a message to have her call back. Kinsey asked if Dr. Rayner was available and was told he’d already left for the day. She didn’t ask for Dr. Hartman. She already knew what side of the fence he was on.
She paced her room again, waiting for Dr. Westcott to call back. When her phone rang she about jumped out of her skin.
“Yes, hello!”
“Hello, Kinsey. I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier, it’s been a crazy day.”
“Can I see Tessa?”
“Dr. Hartman said she’s sleeping and is not to be disturbed tonight. Her family has been contacted and they’re flying out in the morning to come and take Tessa home.”
Damn it! “Can I see her in the morning before she leaves?”
“It’s possible, but I can’t make any promises, Kinsey. I’ll talk to Dr. Hartman in the morning and if you’re allowed to see her, I’ll call you and let you know.”
Kinsey shook her head in disdain. “Yeah, you’ll let me know.” She hung up before Dr. Westcott could respond.
Kinsey woke bright and early the next morning. She wasn’t waiting for any more phone calls. She was going to camp out at the clinic until they allowed her to see Tessa.
She marched into the reception area and told the woman behind the counter she was not leaving until someone allowed her to see her friend. Kinsey pointed to a chair by the window.
“You see that chair? That’s where I’m going to be and I’m not leaving until I get what I want.”
She turned and walked to the chair. After she sat down she added, loudly, “Don’t make me have to sit here and yell. For every minute that passes, I will make my presence known.”
Kinsey sat back and looked at her watch. “The clock’s ticking!”
She watched one of the women behind the counter rush down the hall. She returned with a male doctor she didn’t recognize. The woman pointed to Kinsey and the doctor nodded. He made his way to Kinsey and held out his hand.
“Hello, my name is Dr. Hartman. I understand you want to see Tessa.”
Kinsey dismissed his hand and stood. “Yes, I’m Kinsey Garrick and I understand she’s leaving the program this morning. I’d like to talk to her before she goes home.”
He studied her for a moment. “Wait here.” He walked away.
He returned a moment later. “I talked to Tessa and she agreed to see you. Your visit will have to be short; she needs to rest before her plane ride home.”
Kinsey met his gaze and nodded. “I understand.”
“Good, follow me.”
Kinsey followed him down the hall and into a treatment room. She saw Tessa sitting in a chair in the corner and rushed to her, throwing her arms around her.
“My god, Tessa! Are you all right?”
Tessa looked over at Dr. Hartman, who was standing by the door. Kinsey turned to see what had her attention and she addressed the doctor.
“Do you think I could have a minute alone with my friend?”
He stood for a moment and replied, “Sure.” Before he left, he made eye contact with Tessa and she quickly looked away.
After he closed the door, Kinsey took Tessa’s face in her hands. “Oh, Tessa! I’m so sorry!”
Tessa couldn’t find her voice, so she simply shook her head as she lowered it.
Kinsey whispered, “There has to be something you can do.”
Tessa shook her head again and looked at Kinsey. “There’s nothing anyone can do.” She looked toward the closed door and lowered her voice even more. “I’ve already been threatened that if I talk, harm will come to someone I care about.”
“This is wrong! It has to be stopped!”
Tessa started to show some anger. “It can’t be stopped, Kinsey. You need to open your eyes to the program. It is what it is and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.” She lowered her face in her hands and spoke through angry sobs. “I’m going home to live my life again. I have to make this place a memory, a bad memory, but a memory, none-the-less. I won’t let this destroy me.”
Kinsey pulled up a chair and sat beside her. “I don’t think the other doctors here know what happened to you.”
Tessa shook her head. “No, I don’t think they do. Both Dr. Westcott and Dr. Rayner came in to apologize and thank me for being a part of the program. Dr. Hartman assured me I’ll still be receiving my compensation.” She laughed through her sobs. “Can you believe that? They’re paying me off and I’m not allowed to speak of this place ever again.”
Kinsey looked down and noticed Tessa’s baby bump wasn’t as prominent. She closed her eyes and sighed. “The other doctors must not know you tried to escape.”
“I don’t get that impression. Dr. Hartman does, but security is tight lipped and is only shared on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.”
“Most here are truly clueless.”
There was a sudden knock on the door and it opened before either of them could respond. Dr. Hartman entered the room and leaned against the counter.
Kinsey reached up and grabbed a business card off the counter and wrote her cell number on the back of it. She handed it to Tessa. “You’ve become a good friend and I want to stay in touch.”
Tessa nodded and asked her for one as well. She wrote her number on the back and gave it to Kinsey.
Dr. Hartman pushed off the counter. “Okay, ladies, it’s time to say goodbye.”
Tessa tried to stand, but Kinsey made her sit back down. She gave her a hug and told her to let her know when she made it home safely. Tessa told her she would and that her parents were coming, so she wouldn’t be traveling alone.
Kinsey turned and walked out of the treatment room, never making eye contact with Dr. Hartman. Tessa leaned her head against the back of the chair once Kinsey was out of sight and closed h
er eyes. She heard Dr. Hartman’s voice.
“Your parents will be here soon. Remember your responsibility to the program.”
She simply nodded and quietly said, “I just want to go home.”
He smiled, walked out, and closed the door behind him as Tessa’s tears rolled down her cheeks.
Chapter Seventeen
Kinsey spent the rest of the week in a daze. She couldn’t wrap her head around what happened to Tessa and she missed her friend dearly. Without having Tessa in the program with her she felt alone and scared. Being isolated from her family and friends was almost too much. She had to constantly remind herself why she was doing this. Tessa was a perfect example of how things could go terribly wrong in Operation Vala.
Dr. Westcott was certain Tessa had suffered a miscarriage. The same story came from Dr. Rayner. They truly had no idea what was taking place in the program and she had no idea how to convince them otherwise.
Kinsey tried to call Tessa a few times since she returned home, but Tessa’s end of the conversation was always short and clipped. Kinsey could tell she wasn’t able to talk about what happened. Those in a position of power had succeeded in threatening her into silence. Even back home, Tessa was afraid of what the long arms of Operation Vala could accomplish, and she wasn’t taking any chances. Kinsey understood and limited her conversations with Tessa to small talk. One day, when Kinsey was released from the program, she hoped they could talk more. She had no intention of never seeing Tessa again.
The only thing Tessa ever said to Kinsey about the program was to keep her head down and do what they asked. Simply do your time, get out, and never look back. Kinsey was having a problem with this advice.
Kinsey took over Tessa’s jobs at the cafeteria and the file room at the clinic. Tessa was right, it helped to stay busy and allow the days to pass.
Kinsey had an appointment the next day to check and see if her procedure was successful. Since she knew they would repeat the procedure three times before releasing her, she found herself hoping she was pregnant. The thought of having to endure the procedure again, and possibly a third time, made her furious. That would be three more months of waiting and she wasn’t happy about it. She just wanted to get it over with.
Since she began working in the file room, she’d received quite a few visits from Dr. Rayner, checking to make sure she was all right after Tessa’s removal from the program. There was a part of her that was glad he wasn’t aware of the behind the scene workings of the program. Either that or he was good at faking it. She hoped not. There was still something about him that kept sucking her in and she was hoping she wouldn’t end up hating him in the end.
The next day, Dr. Rayner was waiting for Kinsey to come to the clinic. He knew she had an appointment soon to see if her procedure was a success and he was anxious to see her. She hadn’t been herself since Tessa’s release from the program and he was getting concerned.
He was also having a difficult time sorting out the feelings he was starting to have for her. He knew it was unprofessional, but he was having a hard time fighting it. There was something about Kinsey that set her apart from the others. She was special and different, in a way that told you she would bring change into your life, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that.
His life was invested in medicine; his dad made sure of it. At thirty-two years old, he already had a successful career as a doctor. His dad made sure of that, too. Being successful was mandatory in the Rayner household. Prosperity was the key to holding power in your hands and his father took it seriously.
There will be no slackers in this household, his dad used to say. You will succeed or else. Brice had no choice. He learned of his dad’s wrath early in life when he brought home his first B in Biology. Luckily, the bruises were easy to hide until they healed, but he made damn sure he never received another B in any class, high school or college.
His mom died when he was seven in a freak accident that was never explained. One morning he left for school, and by the time he returned that afternoon, she was gone. His dad never told him exactly what happened, just that she was weak and deserved to die. As Brice grew older, he questioned his mom’s accident, whatever it was, and felt his father was somehow involved, but nothing was ever proven. He hated his father, but even as a grown adult, couldn’t seem to escape his grasp.
Someday, he thought to himself. Someday, I’ll find a way out.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when a nurse appeared at the door of his office, letting him know Kinsey was ready in room seven. She informed Brice that Kinsey’s blood had already been drawn and she would bring the results in as soon as they were ready.
Brice thanked her, stood, and took a deep breath. He was excited, but nervous about seeing her again. The visual of her on the exam table when he did her insemination procedure came to mind and he felt a pull in his groin. Jesus, Brice, keep it in your pants, he thought as he headed toward the door. You’re a professional. He shook his head and thought there was nothing professional about the feelings he had for her. He took another deep breath and headed for room seven.
When he entered the room, he saw her lying on her side on the table, facing him, with her hands tucked under her cheek. She looked vulnerable, but strong, if that was possible. She continued to fascinate him. He smiled and walked toward her as she sat up and swung her legs off the table. He extended his hand and she took it, still not sure what to think about him.
“Hello, Kinsey. How are you feeling?”
She shrugged, “I’m all right. I just want to get this part over with.”
“I understand. Let’s hope for good news from your test.”
“Yes,” she murmured, “good news.”
He realized he was still holding her hand and he awkwardly pulled it away.
He studied her for a moment. “Look, Kinsey. I know you’re having a hard time with Tessa’s sudden departure from the program, but I can assure you, that type of thing doesn’t happen often here. All the participants have the best medical care available.”
She looked away and nodded, knowing what he said was true, but he wasn’t aware, or wasn’t being truthful, about the shit that went on behind the scenes. She still hoped she wouldn’t have to hate him in the end.
She looked back up at his attractive face. “Do you have access to Tessa’s file? I’d like to know what happened.”
“I don’t, and even if I did, I couldn’t share that information with you, Kinsey…I’m sorry.”
She nodded again. “It was worth a shot.”
He sat beside her on the exam table. “Listen, Tessa is fine, I promise. It was unfortunate what happened, but health wise, Tessa is fine and back with her family. From what I’ve been told, she’ll still be compensated for her participation, even though she didn’t produce a child.”
She turned and looked at him. “Are all participants who don’t produce a child compensated as well?”
He smiled. “If they miscarry after six months, they are. If the insemination procedure doesn’t take, then no, they are simply returned home.”
“How many miscarriages have there been?”
“I’ve been here since the beginning of Operation Vala and I can count on one hand all the miscarriages that have taken place. Like I said, the participants have the best medical care available here. Actually, better than they can get at a traditional hospital.”
“Well, that’s just sad, in my opinion. All women should have the best medical care available when they’re bringing a child into the world.”
“I agree, but you’re dealing with a government agency, Kinsey. They spare no expense when it comes to this program. It’s taken very seriously. The children from this program serve an important role in the military.”
“Yeah, they’re raised and trained to be sent off to war and possibly killed. You’re seriously okay with that?”
He gave her a confused look. “If you’re not okay with that, why are you here?”
She looke
d away, realizing he wasn’t aware of what she went through and why she was truly there. “Never mind.”
Before he could speak again, there was a knock on the door and the nurse entered. She smiled at Kinsey and handed a piece of paper to Dr. Rayner. He looked at it and handed the paper to Kinsey.
“Congratulations. Your procedure was a success.”
Kinsey felt the pierce of a double-edged sword. She took the paper and looked down at it. The test result was positive for pregnancy. She took a deep breath as she lifted herself off the table and walked to the counter, laying the paper down. Her maternal instincts kicked in immediately. They’re not taking my baby. She tried not to let her panic show and she took another deep breath before she turned around.
“So, what happens now?”
He walked over and picked up the paper she’d laid on the counter. “Well, now you’re officially in the program and you’ll continue to do as you’ve done until you deliver.”
“Then what?”
“What do you mean?”
“After I deliver, what happens then?”
“Kinsey, I thought this had all been explained to you. After you deliver, you will be released from the program and sent home.”
“Without my baby?”
He looked confused again. “Yes, without the baby, but with full compensation for your participation.” He drew his eyebrows together and looked at her deeply. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She paused for a brief moment and pulled herself together. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry, this is just a lot to take in now that it’s actually happening.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I understand. Everything will be all right, I promise.”
She looked into his eyes and saw genuine compassion there. “Yes, everything will be fine.”
“Why don’t you go back to your room and take it easy for the rest of the day. Try to get a good night’s sleep tonight.”
“So that’s it for today? No more tests?”