Four Detective Olivia Newhouse #3
We apologize again for disturbing her day and leave the school.
“Somehow I don’t think we’re going to find out what happened to that bastard through his victims,” Walt comments.
“Sure looks that way,” I agree. But we have to rule them out nonetheless. We can’t skip any steps. This is way too important. Someone’s life could depend on what we do. And I damn sure don’t mean Fanning’s.
When we stop for lunch, I check in with my doctor’s office to see if I can manage an appointment later today. They have a cancellation at two. I glance at the clock on the wall of Taco Mama’s. It’s one now. I take the appointment. I need to know what’s going on with my head.
When Walt returns from the men’s room, I say, “I need to pick up my car. My doctor can see me at two. Maybe she can give me something to help with these migraines.”
“I’ll take you,” he announces. “I can make some phone calls while I wait.”
I want to argue, but I have no desire to beat my head against that particular brick wall. Walt is as stubborn as he is good at being a detective and a friend.
After peeing in a cup and having blood drawn, I sit on the edge of the exam table and wait impatiently while Dr. Raiford goes through the findings listed in my chart.
I told her about the pregnancy tests and about the headaches.
About the move. She already knew my father died and that I’d gotten engaged.
My annual exam was in March, and all was good. How did so much change since then?
Hopefully, she can give me some clue as to why the headaches are back with such a vengeance. I really can’t afford to be taking any time off work right now. Walt needs me. And I can’t have David hovering over me.
The thought stops me. Part of me feels as if I’m making him the bad guy in all this, but it’s more than that.
I can’t explain these new and intense feelings.
Every instinct I possess is sounding an alarm that something bad is coming and I can’t stop it.
Whatever it is, it somehow involves my relationship with David.
The urge to run is strong, but I feel trapped by the promises I’ve made.
Fear of needing to escape is the best way I know to explain it.
I have no idea how I’m going to find my way out of this corner.
Bottom line, running away isn’t an option. Not that I’ve ever run from anything.
“Well, everything I can see here looks normal.” Dr. Raiford smiles at me.
“Of course, some of the tests will take a few days. You are, indeed, pregnant. Based on your last period, I’d say five or six weeks.
Considering the fact that your last period was so light, there’s a possibility you could be nine or ten.
We’ll schedule an ultrasound for your next appointment to get a better handle on where you are. ”
Oh God. This is real.
Smiling just a little at the fear on my face, she goes on.
“The wacky hormones you’re experiencing right now are quite possibly a major contributor to the headaches.
The good news is those hormones usually level out in the second trimester.
As you suspect, most likely having recently lost your father, getting engaged, and moving in with your fiancé have your stress level off the charts.
” She glances at my file again. “Your blood pressure is a little high, but that might just be related to the lack of sleep or the headaches or maybe just because you’re nervous or worried.
Even tough-as-nails cops like you can get a little nervous and worried sometimes. ”
I nod. Definitely nervous and worried. I am not ready for this. But it’s real and I have to get that way fast. These issues with David have to be worked out. This child will need both of us.
She scans my file once more. “You said this is your first pregnancy?”
I nod and say, “Yes.”
She makes some notes on my chart.
“About the headaches, is there anything I can take to help?” I steady my voice and keep going.
“They’re interfering with work, and it’s just not a good time for me to be sick.
My partner and I are in the middle of this big case.
” I don’t say as much, but that’s not actually unusual.
We’re always on a case, and with Walt as a partner, they’re generally the most difficult and high-profile ones.
Another smile from the doctor. “Is there ever a good time to be sick?”
I shrug. “True.”
She picks up a prescription pad and starts filling in the blanks.
“Sadly, there isn’t a lot that I would recommend you take.
You’ve had migraines before, you know the triggers.
Try to avoid them. Relax as much as you can.
This might help.” She removes the top page from the pad and passes it to me.
“But I’d rather you wait until we have your labs back before filling it. ”
I stare at the illegible words. It’s a good thing cops don’t write the way doctors do.
“For now,” she goes on, “you need to get started with prenatal vitamins. I’ll let you know if there’s anything else you should be taking once we have your blood work back.
But based on your physical just two months ago, I’d say the headaches are nothing more than stress and hormones.
Exercise and meditation are good sources of stress relief during pregnancy.
Take long walks in the evenings. Lie down with some hot tea and relax.
Put everything else on hold for now. Those are simple things you can do to help. ”
Except nothing is simple right now. Not in my world.