Chapter 7

Now confined to the lab, Lindsay finds work less interesting. However, she gains new respect for the lab techs and the skills involved in the their jobs. She mainly deals with identification the DNA or trace substances and A/V work, avoiding harmful chemicals and long periods of standing up. Lindsay now spends time, when not working, thinking of baby names and possible dates for the wedding. They still wait to find out whether it is a boy or a girl, and some days Lindsay isn't sure if she wants to know at all.

Soon the appointment rolls around and the couple wait excitedly for a sight of their growing baby.

"Do you want to know the gender?"
Dr Hanlon asks.

Danny and Lindsay look at each other, and then Lindsay nods a Ôyes' at the doctor.

"It's a girl."

Lindsay grins, and kisses Danny while he pictures a small girl with Lindsay's hair and his eyes full who is of energy and curiosity. It still amazes him that he's going to be a father, and he fervently hopes he'll be better than his own father was.

"Both you and baby seem well,"
Dr Hanlon continues.

"But keep your stress levels down and keep eating healthily."

It's a quiet day, mid afternoon, when she is called to the front desk. There is a figure standing with her back to the lab as Lindsay moves towards it.

"Momma?"

A confused Lindsay asks, seeing the vaguely familiar figure, although it's changed over the years. The woman spins around and gaps when she sees her daughter.

"Lindsay? You're pregnant."

"What are you doing here?"

Lindsay asks shocked and trying to stay calm.

"I talked to your sister yesterday. I was coming to New York anyway with Frank on business, Mel told me where you work."

"What so you just turn up unannounced? Wait don't answer that, you knew I wouldn't see you if I knew you were coming. You think you can just turn up and talk to me like nothing happened, ignoring the fact we haven't spoken for eight years!"

Lindsay's voice rising with each sentence until she's yelling, she can hear someone running towards her from behind but when she turns Lindsay can't see who it is because there are tears filling her eyes and running down her face.

Danny's on the phone in their office when Lindsay is paged; he drops he phone when he hears her yelling, surprised and worried because he's never heard her raise her voice. He runs out of the office towards the front desk, ignoring the looks of those around him. When he reaches the desk, Lindsay is standing with a woman and is clearly distraught. Danny's not sure if she recognises him but gathers her in his arms regardless, she sobs into his shoulder and he is more confused than ever.

Danny doesn't notice Mac's arrival until he older man taps him on the other shoulder,

"Go someplace quiet."

Mac gestures at the stranger still standing shocked in the middle of the atrium and she follows the group into an empty room, Danny making Lindsay walk while trying to calm her down.

"Who are you?"

Mac asks in confusion, seeing no look of recognition from Danny.

"Ruth Parker, I'm Lindsay's mother. I re-married after her father died."

TBC...