ra Mars

rabbed me, and the bed creaked as it moved fast. The world dissolved into a blur of

lm: "See? More acting. She's doing thi

!" a nurse shouted, her voice tight wit

ered. "It's what she does best. She probably

gnored Easton entirely. He barked orders: "Pre

rs have all been fooled by her, playing along with her little performa

my arm. Cold fluid flooded my veins. I was breathing hard, my breath coming in ragged gasp

cal levels! Fetal heart rate is barely detect

e need you to sign the surgical consent form. Now! Every second counts. I

y' surgery going to cost? How much will this li

" The doctor finally snapped, roaring. "This is a life! Y

what a life is worth. And right now, hers - especially after she tried to steal from me - isn't worth

ld die over money?" Kim Smith'

they do die, that's her own fault. Besides, I alr

. It's not much, but..." She pulled a thick stack of cash from her designer handbag. "There's about five th

llars would be a start, Ms. Russo. We need a

ash in hand. Easton quickly stepped

roblem. Let her solve it. With the money she tried to steal from me." He turned to Kim Smith

g she had in her possession. You reported it as 'grand theft,' but this is a civil matter, not a criminal one - especiall

want this surgery, sign this document. Admit you stole my money. Waive all rights to ou

in tore through me. I heard a distant cry

re losing the baby

his face expressionless. "Is