Emily turns her head as the door to the room opens. A woman she hasn't seen before enter pulling along an ultrasound machine. Emily frowns at her.
"Hi, I'm Betty. I'll be your midwife. Mr. Reynolds wants me to check on the baby. He says you've had a bit of an accident. So sad. Hopefully your head injury will get better and you won't have to be restrained. Head injuries can be so scary."
Emily stares at the woman. Before she can tell her what's really happening Ian steps in behind the woman. He slides his hand out of his pocket, showing Emily the small firearm he holds. He flicks his eyes to Betty and then back to Emily, the threat clear: if Emily says a word, the woman is dead. Emily just turns her head away from the woman and man.
"There, there, honey. Things will be fine. I'm sure the baby is just fine," the woman says soothingly.
Emily prays the woman is correct. Soon the machine is set up. Betty unbuttons Emily's blouse and puts the gel on her stomach. She turns the machine on and brings the transducer across Emily's belly. For only the second time, Emily gets to hear her baby's heartbeat. She lets out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. She looks over to the screen.
"Ah, there she is. Or it could be a he. Too soon to tell. But I can tell you it is healthy, strong heartbeat. You've got a fighter in there, Mrs. Reynolds."
Emily cringes at the name but smiles. "Thank you." She looks up at Ian. He is staring at the screen, the wonder in his eyes reminds Emily of the good times he and Lauren had. She swallows. "I hope he grows up to be a man just like his daddy."
Ian slowly turns and looks at her. His expression says all she needs to know. As long as the child is alive, she would be to. She slowly nods, acknowledging that all she wants to do is bring this child into life.
"Well, is there anything else I can help with today?" Betty asks.
"No, I think we have all we need now. Liam will show you out," Ian tells her.
"Okay. Well, you all take care and I'll see you in two weeks. Maybe by then you'll be back on your feet," she says to Emily.
Emily forces a practiced smile to her face. "Hopefully. Thank you."
Liam meets the woman in the hallway. He gives Doyle a look that says he's an idiot. Doyle just laughs and shuts the door. He pulls the chair up beside Emily. He strokes a hand down her cheek.
"She's not coming back, is she?"
Emily looks him in the eyes, knowing he's talking about Lauren. "No. She can't. She cost me too much. Even if I never see Jennifer again, I can never willingly be with you. You would have to rape me to have me that way. And I don't think you can do that."
"You're right, love, I can't. But don't take that to mean I've got compassion for you."
"I don't. You hate me. And that's fine. But at least I know now you'll love this child. That makes me feel better. I have no illusions here, Ian. I know I'm dead as soon as you don't need me anymore." She sighs. "In all honesty, knowing the end is near is a relief. I'm tired of running from you…and from Lauren. I hate her and that's not easy because I am her."
There is a knock on the door and Seamus comes in, wheeling a machine Emily is unfamiliar with. Ian smiles as the man sets it up then leaves.
"I saw you still have your two tattoos: Strength and Alone. Did I miss any others?"
Emily shakes her head. "No. Those are all I ever wanted or need."
Ian smiles. "I got some news ones in that prison you sent me to. I thought I should return the favor."
Emily starts to squirm. "Uh, no. Really, Ian. I could have an allergic reaction to the ink. It would be bad for the baby."
Ian grins. "Oh, love, they don't have the money for fancy things like ink and such. They do something a little more…natural." He turns on the small torch.
"No…please, no…Ian, no, please…" Emily begs.
"The more you struggle the more it will hurt." He rips open her blouse. "Stay still, love. Time to mark you with the symbol of Valhalla."
Emily screams as he starts to brand her left breast. He smiles, his sadistic side at the forefront of this assault. By the time he is done she can only whimper, the pain beyond what she has ever experienced. He smiles.
"Beautiful." He holds up his wrist to show her the shamrock with the hidden V in it. "Looks like this, only no colors. Much better for the baby, wouldn't you say?"
He stands and leaves the room, not bothering to cover Emily's chest.
"Oh, Jennifer…how will you be able to look at me again with this fucking reminder in your face? I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so sorry I brought this horror into your life. I'm so sorry I didn't run the other way when I realized I was falling for you. So fucking sorry I was so selfish that I fell in love with you. You didn't deserve this, Jennifer. I don't deserve you."