No Such Thing as Evil

Chapter 12

Two months later, Chelsea put her hand on the wall to steady herself, exhausted from walking the short distance from the kitchen to the den.

Ingrid, the young nurse Evan hired at Dr. Cornelius's recommendation, held her opposite hand and forearm. "Just take a deep breath," said Ingrid.

Chelsea was convinced her stomach was larger—no, not larger, just heavier somehow—than it should be, even for thirty-eight weeks. Dr. Cornelius had reassured her that each pregnancy was different and that it was normal for first-time mothers to be sensitive to the many changes occurring in their bodies.

Reaching the chair, Ingrid supported her as she eased into it.

"Your vitamins, madam," said Ingrid, nudging the glass of water.

"Can't it wait? I don't think I can fit anything more down there. It'll make it that much heavier."

"Doctor's orders."

"They're only vitamins. Let me skip it."

"Don't forget the folic acid. Dr. Cornelius said it prevents congenital birth defects. You don't want that."

Under any other circumstances, Chelsea wouldn't let a woman like her even be around Evan. Ingrid was only a few years older. That fact, combined with the nurse uniform, made quite a package. Chelsea was sure that, in the eyes of any warm-blooded male, only a French maid uniform could top it. Yet Ingrid was very professional. Chelsea liked her and even wished they could be friends. But it was clear she was there for the baby, not for her. Chelsea reminded herself that was a good thing and not to take it personally. Evan's course load had been lessening now that he was approaching the end of his graduate work. He was spending more time on his thesis, which meant he could spend more time working from home. He still worked for Venizelos Shipping, of course, but that was part time during the day and some evenings. She had to admit, Ingrid was an enormous help.

"Here now." Ingrid handed Chelsea the water and pills.

Chelsea swallowed them dutifully.

Evan dashed into the room and gave her a peck. "Sorry I wasn't able to join you for dinner, love," he said. "I had to take that comm. No choice. How are you this evening?"

"The baby's heavier than ever," she said wearily.

"You know, I've been thinking. I know you've invested so much time preparing, especially the nursery, but I'm worried about your ability to manage things until he's born."

"What do you mean? Ingrid's been an absolute dear. And Dr. Cornelius says everything's fine."

"Yes, I know," he said. "Your pregnancy is normal, but he didn't say it would be easy. He prescribed a private nurse for a reason. You need more help. What do you think about going to Thessaloniki? Just until the baby's born."

"What? Nonsense. We have everything here. Everything's ready. The baby could come any day now."

"Yes, but if you were home—I mean, in Greece—my mother could help, and even my sisters."

"No, Evan. Our life is here. I like being independent from your family. I don't want to have to rely on them."

"Very well," he said, raising his hands in surrender. "I just want to be sure you have the best care available. Look, I have to work tonight. I'll eat something there. I'll see you tomorrow morning." He kissed her good-bye and left.

Her percomm jingled. It was Selby Hancock from the social registry.

"Selby. What a pleasant surprise. It's been a long time."