Free Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles

the steering wheel, swerved without signaling and drove onto the exit ramp. The sedan trailed behind their Range Rover.
    “He’s still there,” Olivia said.
    “Can you see the SUV?”
    “Not yet.”
    The exit dumped them into the outskirts of Denver—a good thing because it meant they weren’t in a deserted area. The downside was that the sedan could have a legitimate reason to take this route. At the first intersection, Troy drove into a suburban development with beige two-story houses, nice lawns and skimpy trees.
    The sedan stayed with them as Troy made a series of turns and double-backs through the development. At one quiet corner, Olivia warned, “I see the SUV.”
    His doubts about surveillance disappeared. These two vehicles were purposely staying close. “Hang on tight.”
    “What are you going to do?”
    “Lose them.”
    He drove out of the development. With the SUV creeping up on his tail, he punched the gas and took off. On the two-lane road through the foothills, there was just enough traffic to make it difficult for their pursuers. He dodged around a truck and another SUV. The Range Rover was going over sixty as they approached an intersection with a stoplight. It turned amber.
    He couldn’t race straight through. There were too many other cars waiting for the light to change; they’d be broadsided.
    The light was red. He hit the brake, simultaneously cranked the steering wheel and slammed into a right turn, barely avoiding collision.
    In the rearview mirror, he saw their pursuers get stuck at the light. This was his chance to put some serious distance between them. The Range Rover flew down the road. This SUV handled nicely for a heavy vehicle on a solid wheelbase. If he could make it to the next turn, they’d be in the clear.
    “Olivia, are you okay?”
    “Fine.” Her voice was a squeak.
    “I promise not to do that again.”
    “Good.”
    He heard the wail of a police siren. Red-and-blue lights flashed behind the Range Rover. There was no choice but to stop. He pulled onto the shoulder.
    “Do we tell the police what’s happening?” she asked.
    Explaining surveillance and attempted kidnapping would be complicated. Since Troy wasn’t officially on a mission, he didn’t really have the authority to drive like a maniac. “I’d rather not.”
    “No problem,” she said. “Leave this to me.”
    When the patrolman appeared at their window, Olivia let out a ferocious scream. “My God,” she yelled. “The baby’s coming.”
    Covering his own surprise, Troy looked at the startled cop. “My wife is in labor.”
    “Now.” Olivia flailed. She arched her back and her belly heaved impressively. “It’s coming now.”
    “We’re headed to St. Luke’s,” Troy said.
    Olivia grabbed his arm and peered up at the cop. Her face was flushed. Her voice was desperate. “Help me, please.”
    The cop leaned into the car. “No need to worry, ma’am. I can handle the delivery.”
    “No,” Troy said sharply. “She needs a hospital.”
    “With all due respect, I have training.”
    “Triplets!” Olivia shouted. “I’m having three babies.”
    The cop took an involuntary step back. His jaw dropped. His face went pale. “Three?”
    “We need to get to the hospital fast,” Troy said.
    “Right,” the cop said. “Follow me.”
    Olivia continued her wailing until the police car pulled in front of them. With lights flashing, he led the way into the city, cutting through traffic.
    She gave him a grin. “Scared you, didn’t I?”
    “What made you think of it?”
    “Going into labor?” She patted her bulge. “Let’s just say it’s been on my mind.”
    Duh. He should have known.
    She continued, “I probably should have run my plan by you. Keeping to the chain of command and all.”
    “I think we both know who’s really in charge.”
    In his mind, he filled his own name into that blank. He was the boss. He was pretty sure she felt the same way about herself.

Chapter Seven
    Olivia felt a