Pulling into the hospital, Snake was shocked to see Jessica making her way out of the hospital. She was carrying a helmet, and he didn’t think. Honking the horn he grabbed her attention.
Climbing out, he opened up Ripper’s door.
“Snake? What is it?” she asked.
“Judi. She’s going into labor or something. We don’t know what to do.”
Jessica was already running toward him. She shoved her helmet at him, pushing Ripper out of the way. “Judi, do you hear me?”
“It hurts.”
“I know. Tell me what’s the problem.”
“My feet hurt, and it feels like it wants to come out.” Judi was panting with each breath she took.
“No, we’re going to remain calm. Remember the deep breaths. Take deep breaths. Listen to my voice, and don’t you dare let this little monster win now. You let it win and they’ll have you wrapped around its little finger. Do you understand?” Jessica asked. “I’ll be right back.” She pulled away from the car. “Keep her calm.”
“What do you think it is?”
“First birth, the swelling feet, the pain. I’d say pre-eclampsia. We’ll need to do tests to confirm.”
“Is it bad?” Ripper asked.
Jessica closed her lips, shaking her head. “I’ll grab a bed.”
She made to run inside. Snake joined her. “It’s bad, isn’t it?”
“Yes, some women, if not treated, can die from it. It’s like their body can’t handle the baby. You were right to bring her.” Together they pushed a spare bed while Jessica started shouting out orders to the other nurses. He got that she asked for a doctor, but that was about it.
Watching her, Snake admired her skill. She wasn’t shaking but in control. Ripper and Dick were waiting, and they helped Judi onto a bed.
“Okay, Judi. Everything is going to be okay now. You’re at the hospital, and we’re going to do everything to make sure your little monster stays right where you need him or her to be.” Jessica leaned in close, smiling at Judi. “I call him a little monster with affection. My brother, he always called me that.”
“I’m not going to sue you for bad bed language, Jess,” Judi said.
“Good ‘cause I’d have to kick your ass, and I’m against kicking pregnant women’s asses.”
Judi started to chuckle.
They pushed her into the hospital where there was already a small team waiting. A man in a white coat moved forward. “Tell me what I’ve got, beautiful.”
Snake didn’t like him one bit. He stayed back while Jessica gave the doctor a rundown of Judi’s status. When it was over, she turned back toward him. Her long raven hair was tied at the back, knotted around.
“I’ve got to go. She’s in good hands. Ripper, follow me.”
He watched as his brother walked beside the good doctor. Dick stayed with him. “I guess we’re on a vigil for now.”
“Should we call Devil?”
“We can call Devil but talk to him. You don’t want Lexie to find out. It’ll worry her.” Dick slapped him on the back. “I’ll get us some coffee.”
Walking back outside, Snake put a call through to Devil. He had to call a second and a third time before he answered the call.
“You better have a good fucking reason for waking me up.”
“Judi’s in the hospital.”
“Wait, what?”
“She’s in the hospital with a suspected pre-eclampsia. We’re on a vigil, and Ripper’s with her. I just thought you should know.”
“Shit, we’ll try and get back tonight. Tabitha has only just woken up, but I’ll get Simon to say his goodbyes in the morning. I can’t leave my family behind.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep you posted of her condition,” Snake said. What else was he supposed to do?
“I can’t tell Lexie. It could cause complications with her own pregnancy.”
“I know. I’ll keep you posted of everything that’s happening. I promise I won’t tell Lexie.”
“Be honest with me, Snake. How does it look?”
“It doesn’t look good. I was talking to Jessica, and some women … they die from this, Devil.”
His Prez cursed over the line. “When are we ever going to get a fucking break? Judi’s wanted this baby for a long time. She’s waited to have time with Ripper. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
He heard Devil’s upset but then, Snake wasn’t feeling all that great either. Judi meant a great deal to the club. All of them had been there when they saved her from a fucking pimp beating the shit out of her.