“Could we ride your bike?”
“Of course, we can. I knew I’d drag you over to the dark side eventually.”
I smile, too, for the first time in days. “Maybe I need the thrill.”
“I think I need it, too. Come on, let’s go.”
* * *
“Are you sure I can’t get you anything else before you leave?” Ehlga asks, clearing the table.
“No, I’m fine. I was thinking of having lunch with Mira if she’s up to it.”
“Okay, just make sure you have something.”
“I will. Don’t worry.”
I’m about to head out to see Mira. I’m looking forward to spending time with her, even though I’m still not able to keep much food down. I think the shock to my system from the last few days has weakened me and I caught some kind of stomach bug.
Ehlga rests a hand on my arm when I stand. “Take it easy today.”
“Sure, see you later.”
She continues clearing the plates away while I head out the door.
As I’ll be spending the day with Mira, Desmier went to Volkova Inc. an hour ago to catch up on some work. He’ll then head over to Leif’s and pick me up later.
When I step outside, my phone rings in my bag. I pull it out and check who’s calling.
It’s the doctor Desmier wants me to see, so I answer it as I continue walking toward the car.
“Hello, is that Mrs. Volkova?” comes a lady’s voice.
“Yes. That’s me.”
“This is Nurse MacGregor. Do you have time to talk?”
“Sure.” I was expecting a call to set up an appointment, but I didn’t think I’d get one today because it’s Sunday.
“Sorry to call you today. We were running an extra clinic and noticed some results in your blood work from the other day that we needed to talk to you about.”
That sounds serious. A cold knot forms in my stomach. Trouble with my health is the last thing I need now. I had to give blood samples for the DNA testing. I never expected anything else to be found.
“Am I okay?”
“Yes, you’re fine. But we didn’t know if you were aware that you’re pregnant.”
My legs stop so suddenly I almost trip over my feet. Then my entire body goes so rigid I fear my spine will snap in two.
“I’m what?” I rap out, my voice sounding hollow and frail.
“You’re four weeks pregnant. It sounds like you didn’t know.”
“No.” Four weeks? How can that be? Of course, I know how, but I’ve been on the pill every day. “I take contraception, though.”
“You must have missed a day or maybe taken them later than usual.”
Shit.I cast my mind back to four weeks ago and go through what was going on at that time. Then it hits me. Desmier and I had just started sleeping together and things were crazy. The days and nights blurred into one, and I can’t deny that I didn’t pay attention to the time when I was taking my pills. I don’t at the best of times, and I didn’t when it mattered.