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A completely different fear gripped Erin as Peter gently lowered her into the chair she used for writing—fear for the baby. Something had to be wrong for it to be coming a month early. She wrapped her arms protectively around her belly, rocking it in an agony of hope that all was still well.

“Try to stay calm. Panic won’t help,” Peter coolly advised.”Give me your doctor’s name and I’ll get things moving for you.”

“Davis.” She nodded to the telephone on the desk.”Press six for his surgery.”

Within seconds he was acting for her.”This is Peter Ramsey, calling on behalf of Erin Lavelle. I need to be connected to Dr Davis immediately. This is an emergency.”

A waiting pause, then,” Yes, I am that Peter Ramsey. I’m with Erin Lavelle .

Her water has broken and she’s suffering labour pain. I’d appreciate it if you’d despatch an ambulance immediately to her house on Ocean Drive, number 14, and meet us at the hospital when we get there.”

Another pause.

The bad pain had receded, leaving only a du