“That’s impossible,” she said, unable to believe her ears.
“Oh, it’s entirely possible,” Dr. Bloomberg assured her. “You’re still young enough to bear children, plus you’re strong and healthy.”
Kat lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was a blur, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. No. It can’t be. “Dr. Bloomberg. You don’t understand. I can’t have children I… I… the other doctor, he…”
“He hurt you, didn’t he? He probably wasn’t even an actual doctor, just a hack pulled off the street to perform a butcher’s job,” Dr. Bloomberg said, his cheeks reddening with anger.
Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect, giving him a jolly look instead. “This is why doctors need to apply for a license. So that those without one can be jailed for their wrongdoings,” he blustered. “Look at you, my dear. He could’ve killed you!”
“How did you know?” she asked, bitter tears stinging her eyelids.
“I saw the scarring. It’s old, but it’s there,” Dr. Bloomberg said, reaching out to squeeze her hand.
“Doesn’t that prevent me from having children? That’s what the midwife said when she examined me afterward.”
“She was wrong, my dear. She made a mistake. It happens,” Dr. Bloomberg said.
“She was wrong?” Kat said with a mixture of wonder and fear. “I’m pregnant?”
“Eleven weeks, my dear, and everything looks good so far,” Dr. Bloomberg said. “The pregnancy is progressing exactly the way it should.”
Kat blinked. “I can’t believe it. I’m going to have a baby.”
“Indeed, you are. A big, strong healthy baby, if I have anything to do with it.” Dr. Bloomberg patted her hand and stood up. “I’ll give you a few moments to yourself.”
He exited the exam room, leaving her alone with her emotions. Kat felt like she was about to explode with joy. She’d never even allowed herself to dream of the possibility. But, now it was a reality. I’m going to be a mom!
Kat bolted upright and jumped off the bed. She got dressed with haste, her hands shaking with excitement. I need to find Callum. I have to tell him the news.
She washed and disinfected her hands before donning her gloves and mask. The plastic overcoat she wore crackled when she moved. Even here, in Dr. Bloomberg’s private offices, caution prevailed.
She glanced around the exam room, marveling at how normal it seemed. It was neat and quiet. A far cry from the rest of the infirmary.
Kat was glad she’d thought of creating a separate space for those not afflicted by the Red Flux. A place where pregnant women, sick children, and the accident-prone could get treated without being exposed to the deadly disease.
At her orders, Dr. Bloomberg was assigned to the task along with a couple of nurses and orderlies to assist him. They screened prospective patients at the door. If they weren’t infected with the Red Flux, they were decontaminated and given treatment for their ailments.
Dr. Bloomberg was the perfect man for the job. Kind and patient, the people loved him, plus his age and hypertension placed him at high risk for the disease. Instead of risking his life in the infirmary, his skills were put to better use.
But none of that really mattered at that moment. Kat exited the room with a light step. She sank down into a chair opposite the doctor and allowed herself to drift off on a cloud of joy. The sensation of euphoria lasted until she realized one important fact. I won’t be able to work anymore.
She said as much to the doctor, and he confirmed her fears.
‘‘I’m afraid you’re right, my dear. It would only place you and your baby in unnecessary danger.”
“So what do I do?” Kat asked.
“Do? Why you rest, of course. You take care of yourself, and you stay far, far away from anyone who’s sick.”
“But, I can’t sit around and do nothing for six months,” she protested.
“You can still do your part behind the scenes, I’m sure. Coordinate and strategize. As long as you don’t overdo it or come into contact with the Red Flux, you’ll be fine,” Dr. Bloomberg said.
Kat nodded, relieved. At least she didn’t have to twiddle her thumbs while the city was dying.
“But, there are rules,” Dr. Bloomberg said, wagging a finger at her.
“Such as?”
“You need to stay hydrated, and a healthy diet is a must. I can’t give you any prenatal vitamins, so it’s especially important that your body gets the nutrients it needs from food. Don’t over-tax yourself. Gentle exercise is fine, but again, don’t overdo it. And no herbal concoctions, caffeine, or drugs without my approval.” He leveled a stern stare at her. “Is that clear?”
Kat nodded. “Crystal clear.”
“I’m scheduling you for regular checkups. I mean to keep a close eye on you.”
“No problem, doctor,” Kat replied with a broad smile. Suddenly, the day seemed a lot brighter than before.
She left the exam room filled with the urgent need to find Callum. She made her way through the hotel, avoiding people where possible.
A member of the Watch guarded the entrance, and she paused. “Do you know where Callum MacNamara is?”
“No, ma’am,” the guard replied.
“What about Bruce Copeland?”
“Sorry, ma’am. I haven’t seen either of them all day.”
“Thanks anyway,” Kat said. After thinking it over, she went looking for Callum herself. While wandering about the city might not be the best idea, she needed to find him. Her news simply could not wait. She was far too wound up for that.
For the next hour, she wandered about the city. First, she knocked on Moran’s door, but the woman wasn’t at home. Next, she went to Patti’s, but she was also out. Lee was there, wheeling about in his wheelchair with a book on his lap. “Well, this is a surprise. It’s good to see you again.”
“Sorry to bother you, Lee, but do you know where Callum is?”
“No, I don’t,” he said. “I’ve been stuck inside all day.”
“What about Patti?”
“She said something about a meeting around two,” Lee said.
“Is it a council meeting?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Thanks, Lee. I’ll see you again
