"Where is my baby?" Nicole Georgeson gripped the edge of the counter at the nurses’ station and peered at two pairs of tired eyes. "I checked the nursery and she’s not there!"

    The nurses exchanged confused glances. As Nicole tried to hear their murmured words, fear pricked her shoulders.

    "We’ll check, Mrs. Georgeson." The younger nurse watched her co-worker march down the corridor. "It’s been chaotic since the fire alarm went off. Where did you last see your baby?"

    "In my room, ten minutes ago. After the alarm sounded another nurse came in to make sure I was okay."

    The nurse frowned. "What was her name?"

    "Her I.D. tag said C. Evans. She told me her name was Clarice."

    The nurse’s colleague raced back to them. "Bassinet’s at the top of the stairs!"

    Lifting the phone receiver, the nurse punched three numbers.

    "We need security now!"

    "No! Oh God!"

    Nicole’s heart pounded; she couldn’t breathe. She tried to absorb the nurses’ urgent conversation, but their words were gibberish. Black dots filled Nicole’s vision as she started to fall.

***

    When she woke up in bed, she felt groggy and disoriented.

    "Dana," she mumbled.

    "Mrs. Georgeson? I’m Detective Chisholm."

    As she focused on the man’s face, he confirmed that Dana had been abducted. Tears slipped down her cheeks.

    "What time is it?"

    "Seven."

    "She’s been gone two hours." Nicole brushed the tears away. "She’s only six hours old. I was supposed to keep her in bed with me. Her temperature had dropped." She reached for the quilt brought from home.

    "Tell me what happened."

    "A nurse, named Clarice Evans, said there was a fire in a garbage can, but it was under control." Nicole hesitated. "I had to go to the bathroom, so she volunteered to stay with Dana. I took too long. The first time after her birth, well, it hurt."

    "Can you describe this nurse?"

    "Chunky, dark hair pulled back in a bun. She wore a gold cross." Nicole dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "How could I have been so stupid?" She looked at the door. "How could they have let this happen?"

    "A lot of babies were born today and the ward’s understaffed," Chisholm replied. "A fire door automatically sealed off this corridor from the nurse’s station. No one could have seen what was happening, which suggests the abduction might have been planned." He hesitated. "No Clarice Evans has ever worked at this hospital. In the parking lot, a woman was seen carrying a newborn in a car seat. She matches the description you gave. Also, a man had been loitering near the source of the fire. We’re reviewing surveillance tapes now."

    The sobs that seemed to form in her womb erupted into agonizing wails. Hugging herself, she rocked back and forth. Chisholm gazed out the window until she calmed down.

    "There are six private rooms in this corridor," he remarked. "You’re the only one who saw Clarice."

    "I have enemies, Detective." She wiped her eyes. "Until last month, I was a security officer at Douglas Youth Detention Center. A couple of girls resented my existence. Another was jealous of my pregnancy. Anyway, I quit my job. I just want to look after my baby."

    "Can you give me the girls’ names?"

    As Nicole did so her husband, Sam, entered the room. His tie was crooked and two red blotches covered his cheeks.

    "The cops filled me in while you slept," he said.

    "I didn’t want sleep. I need to find Dana!" Again, she burst into tears.

    "I was told you fainted and that after you came to, you started screaming. The doctor thought a sedative was best."

    The younger nurse brought in a supper tray. Everyone stared at her.

    "I’ve heard some lame excuses for my daughter’s kidnapping." Sam watched the nurse quickly leave. "If I find out this hospital was negligent, I’ll bury it!"

    Nicole wondered if he’d do the same to her. After all, the bathrooms were large enough to wheel bassinets inside. If she’d brought Dana in with her, this nightmare wouldn’t have happened. Certainly, he blamed her. He hadn’t even hugged her yet, although hugs had become rare over recent months.

    "Hello, darling." Sam’s mother, Audrey, strolled in. "Why are there so many police. . ." She stopped when she noticed Chisholm. "What’s happened?"

    While Sam highlighted events, Audrey dropped the pink roses she’d been carrying. He helped her sit down.

    "Dana will be hungry and cold," Nicole mumbled. "Too cold!"

    When she tried to stand, dizziness took hold and she swayed.

    "Whoa." Chisholm grabbed her. "You’ll do more for your baby by regaining your strength."

    As Nicole started to shiver, Chisholm reached for the quilt.

    "This must be yours."

    She nodded. "It was once my grandmother’s."

    "Who owns the doll?" He nodded toward the rag doll by her pillow.

    "I did. It’s Dana’s now."

    After she retrieved the quilt and doll from her trunk last month, Sam further distanced himself from her, as if she’d done something strange. He couldn’t understand her need to gather her family around her. But then, Sam only understood his needs.

    Sam’s cousin and his wife charged into the room.

    "Nikki, I’m so sorry!" Mary-Lou Burton flung her arms around Nicole.

    "Roger." Sam shook his hand.

    "What are you two doing here?" Audrey’s grief turned to anger.

    "Offering our cousin-in-law support," Mary-Lou replied, "which is more than you’d ever do."

    "Sorry about the baby," Roger said. "Makes our problems seem stupid."

    "There’s nothing for you losers to take here," Audrey stated, "so leave!"

    "Let’s not do this now." Sam saw the three of them out, then closed the door.

    "What kind of problems do they have?" Chisholm asked.

    "Chronic laziness, incompetence, and immaturity," Sam replied. "Roger tried to borrow money from Mother once, which wasn’t smart. His wife is our housekeeper."

    Hired below the going rate, Nicole recalled, and because Sam was annoyed with Audrey at the time. She enjoyed Mary-Lou’s company, though; her upbeat nature.

    When Audrey began shrieking in the hallway, Sam said, "I’d better get Mother out of here."

    Nicole barely returned his hasty kiss. If he hadn’t rushed back to work right after Dana’s birth, her baby would be safe.

    Sam wanted to start a family ten years ago, but she hadn’t been ready. Even after his affair with that big haired waitress a year ago, they kept trying; partly out of habit, partly out of Sam’s determination not to fail at something supposedly as simple as making a baby.

    "Nice picture of you." Chisholm peered at a photograph by the bed.

    "That’s my mother. My parents died in a car accident when I was seventeen."

    He handed her his business card. "Call me if you remember anything else about the nurse."

    Nicole ran her hand over the quilt. "It took six years to conceive this child, Detective. There won’t be another." Her voice broke. "Please bring Dana back."

    Seconds after Chisholm left, footsteps stopped outside her door. Nicole waited; however, no one came in. Pulling the quilt over her, tears spilled again.

***

    The next voice she heard was unfamiliar.

    "Good morning. I brought you breakfast."

    Nicole struggled to open puffy eyes. Feeling a tiny body tucked against her, she swiftly propped herself up. It was only the doll.

    A nurse slid the tray near her.

    "What time is it?" Nicole asked.

    "Eight a.m."

    "Is my husband here?"

    The nurse glanced around the room, as if expecting him to materialize.

    "I haven’t seen him." She turned to Nicole. "Oh, your nightgown’s wet. I’ll get you a towel and a breast pump."

    Nicole sat up. Her body ached. After a quick rap on the door, Mary-Lou entered.

    "How are you holding up? Have you heard anything?"

    "No." Nicole pulled the quilt around her. "Have you?"

    "Not yet, but I’m sure there’ll be good news soon, and you know how psychic I am."

    She also knew how gullible this woman was.

    "Listen," Mary-Lou sat on her bed, "Roger knows people who know people in the baby selling racket. He might have a lead."

    "Good."

    Nicole’s hand shook as she poured milk into her coffee. She had little faith in Roger’s abilities.

    "You’ll get through this, hon. You’ve survived a lot of crap over the years." Mary-Lou hugged her. "I’m going to see if Roger’s contact has called. Talk to ya soon."

    Nicole telephoned Chisholm, but he had no news. Clutching the quilt and doll, she tried to curb her growing panic. She called Sam at home. Audrey answered the phone.

    "I thought my son could use a good breakfast," she explained.

    "Let me talk to him."

    "He’s still sleeping, and you won’t get a coherent thought from Sam until he’s had coffee. I’ll have him call you."

    Meddling old bag. Staring at the tree blossoms through the window, an idea - not a nice one - prompted her to dial Sam’s office number.

    As she’d feared, Sam was there; on the phone, his secretary told her. Probably Audrey warning him about her call. If he didn’t care enough about Dana to stop working, then she’d bloody well take charge.

    Her cell phone rang. That would be Sam. Good trial lawyers knew how to create quick lies. Sam loved his work and his lifestyle. He didn’t plan to sacrifice either for fatherhood, he’d said one night.

    His remark had sparked a nasty fight. Another argument started when he wouldn’t take time to accompany her on a tour of the hospital. Mary-Lou had gone in his place. At times she’d wondered if Sam really wanted this baby.

    Finally, the phone stopped ringing.

    Nicole stared at her breakfast until a horrific thought made her flinch. Sam once had a client involved with illegal adoptions. After Dana’s birth, he couldn’t leave the delivery room fast enough; claimed he had to be in court. Maybe he hadn’t wanted to risk an emotional attachment. Why would he do such a horrible thing? Nicole gulped down air.

    The answer came easily. If he got rid of Dana, it would be simpler and cheaper to get rid of herself. Nausea burned her stomach. He must have decided he didn’t want fatherhood, or marriage anymore. Considering the many evenings he’d left her alone lately, she wished she’d had the courage to face the truth. While Nicole phoned Chisholm once again, sweat trickled down her sides.

    "Detective, this’ll sound crazy, but I think I know who took Dana!"

    His patronizing response to her theory annoyed Nicole. She supposed she’d sounded paranoid and irrational, but Sam had to be checked out.

    Footsteps moved away from the door. Had someone been eavesdropping? She hated it here, waiting for news, being treated like a child who needed watching.

    Nicole dressed quickly. At the hospital’s main entrance, she hailed a cab.

    Booting Audrey out of her house took less than two minutes. The old bag was too shocked by her arrival to insist on staying.

    In the kitchen, she made chamomile tea, then searched the yellow pages for private investigators. When a shadow passed the window in her back door, Nicole waited for a knock. Nothing. At the hospital she’d assumed the staff were keeping an eye on her, but here? Maybe she really was becoming paranoid. Perhaps a cloud had simply blocked the sun.

    Upstairs, Nicole rifled through Sam’s belongings. She found a Valentine’s card from a woman expressing undying love. The name didn’t belong to the big haired waitress. She also found a three-month-old Visa receipt for a diamond bracelet she’d never seen. Nicole leaned against the bureau to steady herself. No time for anger or self-pity. She had to concentrate on finding Dana.

    When Nicole finished her search, exhaustion overwhelmed her. Collapsing on the bed, she slept until Sam’s voice in the next room woke her. He was talking to someone. Since she couldn’t hear the other voice, he was probably on the phone. Nicole crossed the room, then pressed her ear against the wall.

    "Her behavior’s been odd for months," she heard him say.

    "She’s obsessed with her dead parents and has withdrawn from social activities. It’s as if she’s turned into an eccentric recluse."

    Eccentric recluse? Because his endless fund-raisers bored her? Because she missed her family so much these days? When the conversation ended, Nicole hurried back to bed. Minutes later, Sam brought her a mug of coffee.

    "Are you all right?" he asked.

    "Fine."

    She bit the inside of her lip to keep from screaming at him. She didn’t have the energy for a confrontation. Besides, he’d deny his sins. Nicole checked her watch. Dana had been gone eighteen hours.

    "I had to cancel appointments and transfer my caseload," Sam said. "Thought I’d be finished before you woke this morning."

    She studied his wary expression. "Why was Audrey here?"

    "To answer the phone. I’m sorry if she misled you, and I’m sorry for not staying at the hospital longer after Dana’s birth. I’ll never forgive myself for that."

    Sam could make almost anyone believe his bull. Nicole sipped the coffee.

    "Detective Chisholm let me look at the surveillance tape," he continued. "Turns out the nurse’s accomplice is a thief who’ll steal anything for a price." He paused. "We’ll get Dana back, I promise. Drink your coffee. I’ve got to make some calls."

    Nicole watched him leave the room. By the time she finished the coffee, her thoughts had become muddled and fatigue again took hold. It was the same sensation she’d experienced in the hospital. Nicole peered into the empty cup, and cursed Sam just before she passed out.

    When she opened her eyes it was seven p.m. Dana had been missing twenty-six hours. Nicole’s head throbbed. The house was silent.

    She turned on the radio to find that her baby had become a news item. A hundred thousand dollar reward was being offered for Dana’s return. Audrey’s doing, no doubt.

    Splashing water on her face, she gaped at bloodless skin and red-rimmed eyes. When the phone rang, she jumped.

    "Thank God I reached you," Mary-Lou said. "Roger has good news about your baby, but I can’t talk now. Can you come over tonight? We’ll be home by eight."

    "Is Dana all right?"

    "Everything’s cool, don’t worry. Only don’t tell Sam, okay? He might misinterpret what’s going on."

    Nicole searched the house, but Sam wasn’t here. After applying just enough make-up to feel human again, she stepped outside.

    At eight p.m. she pulled in front of Mary-Lou and Roger’s dilapidated bungalow. As Nicole reached the door, she heard them arguing. Her own name came up, then Dana’s. A hand gripped her shoulders.

    "Hey!" Nicole was shoved inside.

    "She was eavesdropping," a hostile voice complained.

    Nicole turned to observe long greasy hair dangling over a scrawny face.

    "I heard you talking." She looked at Mary-Lou. "I wasn’t sure I should interrupt."

    "Dave’s my contact," Roger explained. "He helped me find the girl who took Dana. We’re negotiating to get her back."

    "Oh! Thank God! Have you told the police?"

    "She swore she’d take off if I did that."

    The door flung open and two police officers barged inside. Dave raced to the kitchen, only to reappear with a cop on each arm.

    "On the floor!" a cop ordered the other three.

    "Wait," Nicole said, "you don’t understand."

    "Down! Now!"

    An officer charged into the bedroom.

    "So, you’ve caught them."

    Looking up, Nicole saw Audrey glowering at her.

    "I always knew you were trash, but to have your own baby kidnapped is despicable!"

    "What are you talking about?" Nicole was handcuffed, then helped to her feet.

    "You encouraged Sam to go back to work after Dana was born!"

    "I didn’t, I¾"

    "And you conveniently stayed in the bathroom long enough for that phony nurse to take my grandchild!"

    "No!"

    "You were heard trying to blame my son, admit it! We know Mary-Lou called you tonight. I had your phone tapped. No wonder you didn’t want Sam to know anything. And look at you," Audrey shouted, "all made up like you haven’t a care in the world!"

    "Why would I do that to my own child?"

    "For the reward!" Audrey glared at Roger and Mary-Lou as they were also helped to their feet. "You’ve been after my money for years!"

    "You old bitch," Roger muttered.

    "I’ve had people watching you three. We’ve got enough proof to send you to prison!"

    "Nicole’s not involved!" Mary-Lou cried. "She came here hoping for news about Dana. Roger has contacts!"

    "I’ll say." Audrey pointed at Dave. "That loser lit the fire in the maternity ward! Sam and I saw the whole thing on video tape. Nicole, I hope you rot in hell!"

    "She didn’t know squat about it." Roger turned to the cops.

    "Yeah, the broad don’t know diddly," Dave muttered.

    Audrey’s face reddened. "We’re supposed to believe scum like you?"

    "Why would I want your money?" Nicole asked.

    "Because your parents left you nothing and you’ve quit your job. I also believe you’re planning to leave my son. He says you’ve grown cold towards him."

    "I told you, Nicole knew nothing!" Mary-Lou insisted. "We just wanted the reward so Roger¾"

    "Shut up!" Roger shouted.

    Mary-Lou’s gaze remained fixed on Audrey. "Roger hired Dave and Sherry to take Dana. Sherry’s taking good care of her."

    As Roger tried to kick his wife, Sam entered the room. Shocked by the horror and absurdity of the situation, Nicole didn’t protest while Audrey repeated her accusations.

    "I’d like a private word with my wife," Sam told the cops. "Meanwhile, why don’t you get Sherry’s address."

    The officers didn’t move.

    "I’m also her lawyer." He flashed his business card. "My mother’s investigators don’t have any real evidence against Nicole."

    "Sam!" Audrey protested.

    "Quiet, Mother!"

    The officer moved away.

    "Why did you put a sedative in my coffee?" she murmured.

    "The doctors were concerned about your emotional state, especially after you discharged yourself. We just wanted you to rest."

    "I’ll be okay." If her hands weren’t in these damn cuffs, she’d slap him. "Dana’s coming home."

    He watched her. "Mother’s accusations might be unfounded, but they could raise questions about your emotional stability in court."

    "What?"

    "Divorce is what we both want, isn’t it?"

    She let the tears come, not from sadness but relief.

    "I won’t ask for custody," Sam stated, "provided you’re reasonable about a settlement."

    "If I agree to this, then you’ll keep Audrey off my back?"

    "Absolutely."

    "I just want my baby."

    "I know. It’s all you’ve really wanted from the moment you knew you were pregnant."

    An officer approached them. "We have an address."

***

    In the hospital, Nicole kissed Dana’s tiny forehead. The doctors assured her the baby was well. Her daughter had survived among enemies; an admirable trait.

    Nicole figured their divorce could get ugly, especially if Audrey badgered Sam into seeking full custody. He might try it, too, just to keep her quiet. Naturally, he’d make sure she didn’t win. If Sam offered a pathetic settlement, she’d produce a receipt for a diamond bracelet, a Valentine’s card, the big haired waitress, and anyone else her lawyer dug up. She had to prevent Audrey from getting too close to this child, from using her money and venom to poison Dana’s mind.