The Baby Snatchers by Chris Taylor Read Free Book Online

me to say. The truth
is, your niece died of cot death, also known as SIDS—Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome.”
    “I know what fucking SIDS means! What the
hell do you take me for? An imbecile?”
    “I’m sorry, Mr Dawson.” She stared at him,
trying desperately to find the right words. The truth was, there
were never any right words in this kind of situation. She was only
grateful over the years she’d spent nursing, she’d rarely been put
in this position.
    With a muffled curse, he turned away and
dragged a hand through his thick, dark hair. Georgie crossed her
arms over her chest, praying for the uncomfortable moment to end.
When he spoke again, his voice was calmer, more controlled.
    “Where’s Cynthia? I assume she’s been told?”
He turned back to look at Georgie and the bleakness in his eyes
tore at her heart.
    “She’s still on the ward, in bed. And yes,
of course she’s been told. I was with her a moment ago, right
before you came in.”
    “How… How is she?”
    “How would you expect?”
    “Christ! She’s sixteen! She’s little more
than a child! How the hell is she going to cope with something like
this?”
    Memories of Georgie’s own experience crashed
into her, but she forced them away. Now wasn’t the time to remember
how it had been for her, pregnant and scared at seventeen. With her
jaw clenched, she managed to respond.
    “With all due respect, Mr Dawson, I don’t
think it matters how old you are. The loss of a child is
devastating for anyone to endure. It’s a tragedy that will take a
long time for her to get over. She’s going to need a lot of love
and support from her family.”
    His eyes narrowed. “Have you met them? Have
you met our parents?”
    “No,” Georgie replied, eyeing him steadily.
“I was referring to you.”
    “Oh.” His mouth closed with a click and a
frown marked his brow. A moment later, he spoke again. “What about
the father of the baby? Where is he?”
    “I don’t know. I haven’t seen him. We only
ask the necessary questions, unless the patient volunteers the
information. Cynthia said she hasn’t seen the baby’s father since
she told him she was pregnant.”
    “Great. That’s fucking great. He sounds like
a real keeper. She’s probably better off without the prick,
especially now she doesn’t have the baby.”
    As if suddenly becoming aware of what he’d
said, Cameron dragged a hand across his face in anger and
frustration. “Shit! What a mess! What a fucking mess!”
    Georgie frowned and put her hands on her
hips. “Mr Dawson, I’d appreciate it if you’d mind your language and
your bedside manner could definitely use some work. At sixteen,
your sister has not only given birth on her own, without any
support from her family, but in the space of twelve or so hours,
she’s gone from getting to know her new baby to being told that her
perfect little baby’s died. She’s understandably traumatized and
you need to curb any feelings you might have one way or the other
about the subject of who and how and why and focus on your sister’s
needs.”
    Georgie’s breath came fast, but she wasn’t
finished yet. Stepping closer, she got into his face. “Your little
sister’s hurting and she doesn’t know where to turn, what to do, or
how to cope. What she needs right now is your unconditional support
and love. Keep your questions to yourself. When she’s strong enough
and when she’s ready, I’m sure she’ll tell you what you want to
know. Until then, you need to keep your mouth shut and just be
there for her. Do you understand?”
    Cameron stared at her, looking more than a
little taken aback. Gradually, the tension eased from his face and
he stepped back, giving both of them some space. Georgie drew in a
few deep breaths and tried to get herself back under control.
Despite her best intentions, her actions hadn’t exactly been those
of a calm and collected professional. Her cheeks heated with
embarrassment. She owed him an apology.
    “I’m