The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Forty-Three

Abe was under water, everything around him dulled and slowed. He was shaking Anna, trying to get her to answer him.

She wouldn't.... she couldn't.

The Doctor was saying something, but he couldn't understand him. He was frightened. What was going on? He didn't hear the door open, but he did feel arms tugging him back.

It was Sam. Helga had gone to fetch him.

"Abe," urged Sam, trying to get him to look at him.

Abe didn't want to take his eyes off his wife.

"Abe, look at me!"

He finally did, his eyes brimming with tears. "What's goin' on?" he said, his voice choked.

"She's haemorrhaging," said Sam.

Abe immediately turned back to Anna. Her breathing was shallow, the Doctor's hands covered in blood as he tried his best to help her. Where had that come from? He wasn't listening to Sam anymore. He didn't see Maria take Caleb away to her room.

Instead, he fell to his knees, taking her hand in his as he held her face. "Baby," he said again, her eyes heavy and her mouth slightly open.

"Abe she's going into shock," explained Sam, standing beside him as the Doctor tried to explain what was happening in short bursts.

The Doctor shot up, reaching into his bag as he shouted something.

"He thinks he can stop the bleeding, but her body is losing a lot of blood." Sam looked at the Doctor whilst Abe focused on Anna. "We need to get her warm."

Abe nodded, getting to his feet.

"Get blankets!" called Sam to the corridor.

Abe rubbed her arm to keep her warm as he whispered in her ear. "I'm here with you baby, all right! Please, you gotta stay with me."

The Doctor began examining Anna closer.

Abe's eyes filled with alarm. "Why is he prodding her like that?!"

Sam asked him, the Doctor finally answering as he rooted around in his bag again. "She's severely torn... he thinks a blood vessel burst when the placenta came out. He's trying to lessen the bleeding so that he can stitch her up."

From outside, Hollywood ran in, bringing a huge pile of blankets. Sam took one and put it over Anna, Abe wrapping it around her to lock in the heat. He looked up at the doorway. Hans was standing there, his face filled with horror. Their gaze locked. Abe could see it in his eyes; he was holding him accountable. He tried to ignore him and focused instead on Anna.

But Hollywood saw.

He stormed out, shoving Hans back and slamming the door behind him.

Hans was taken aback, but then stood firm, sizing up his opponent. "Get out of my god damned way," growled Hans.

"This don't fucking concern you!" snapped Hollywood.

"Anything to do with Anna concerns me!" returned Hans, Klara now trying to pull him back.

"Easy to say now, ain't it?" spat Hollywood, shoving his face into Hans'. "Now she ain't a prisoner no more."

"Gentlemen, please," said Daniel, trying to step between them, but they ignored him.

"Get out of my way," warned Hans.

"Make me!" shouted Hollywood.

Before he knew what had happened, Hans jabbed Hollywood straight in the gut, then uppercut him to the jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor. He made to step over him, but Daniel was tugging him back, Charles now running out from down the corridor.