Tillman’s jaw set hard. Kier
could tell he was accustomed to having his way. “We can
work something out,” Tillman said, quickly regaining his
composure.
“It’s settled then,” said the charge nurse,
appearing relieved. “Come with me, please.”
Kier followed, his body strangely
alive with adrenaline. In moments a woman with a surprised expression
had brought the baby into Winona’s room. Kier stood to the
side, avoiding his mother’s gaze. He knew that Winona was
about to partake in one of the emptiest moments of her life. Motherhood
and the hope of a shared future were supposed to be the reward
for the hard work of birth. Greenbacks and five minutes with someone
else’s child would have to be enough for Winona.
