A week later Hotch, Reid, and Rossi were sitting with Christine in Dr. Sullivan's waiting room.
"He's a physically fit, white male, between the ages of 45 and 55," Christine had used their time-honored formula to describe him after her first appointment. "And, he is very understanding. He didn't judge me, just wanted to know about both your health histories. He has been involved in several situations where life partners were using a surrogate, so having two fathers involved with a pregnancy is something he is familiar with."
"That's a start," Rossi had observed. "What else?"
"He says his primary objective is to have a healthy mother, as well as a healthy baby – or in my case babies," Christine had reported. "He and his staff run a complete program covering everything from maternal nutrition to fetal testing to breastfeeding. They will even help me find a pediatrician. I won't have to go somewhere else and deal with strangers."
"What about the hospital?" Hotch asked. "I understand it is outside Quantico city limits.
"As is Dr. Sullivan's office," Christine had clarified. "From what I could see from the taxi coming and going, the area appears to be mainly single-family homes. But, I'm sure an experienced real estate agent can help me find a rental unit within a reasonable distance from the hospital."
The group meeting with Dr. Sullivan was a success. Reid was delighted to find that the OB was familiar with the same research on twins that he had read, while the doctor reminded Hotch of Haley's OB eleven years before. Even Rossi was impressed by the doctor's concern and respect for his patient.
"Now," the doctor had declared once everyone's initial concerns had been addressed. "You have to understand that in order for us to have a successful pregnancy, the mother needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That includes eating properly and getting exercise on a regular basis. I understand that was not the case with Dr. Nielson's first pregnancy. She was lucky that time, but we don't want to take chances this time around. She also needs to be subjected to as little stress as possible."
"Next," the doctor had continued. "Scheduled check-ups. I know you would all like to be involved in every visit, but there is only so much space in my examining rooms, and I need my patient to be comfortable when I examine her. What I propose is that you set up a schedule so that only one person accompanies Dr. Nielson on each visit. Of course, for major events like ultrasounds, we can make an exception."
"That sounds fair," Hotch agreed. "However, you need to understand that when we are out of town on cases, there is a fourth person who will be accompanying Dr. Nielson on her visits. I assume that on those occasions you will have no difficulty communicating with us afterwards either on a conference call or via Skype?"
The doctor smiled. "That should be no problem," he assured the group. "Now, any more questions or concerns?"
Reid's questions on the subject of cord blood storage were quickly answered and, as the group got up to leave, Rossi made sure he was the last one out of the office. After checking that the others were far enough ahead of him not to overhear, he turned to the doctor and handed him one of his business cards. "My personal cell number is on the back," he explained. "When you have time to talk, please give me a call. There is something I would like to discuss with you in private."
That evening Rossi received the call.
"Have you ever treated any patients with PTSD?" Rossi began the conversation.
"I can't say that I have," Dr. Sullivan replied. "Although, from what I understand, the exact definition of that condition varies from patient to patient."
"Well, I don't know what Dr. Nielson has told you about her past," Rossi continued. "But, there are some things I think you should know."
"I'm listening," the doctor replied.
"This falls under more than the usual doctor/patient confidentiality," Rossi warned him. "This is also confidential FBI information."
"Understood."
"Do you remember about four years ago when some women were rescued after having been held captive for several months? The press called them 'The Alphabet Survivors'."
"Yes, I remember," the doctor assured him. "My wife at the time followed the story almost obsessively."
"Well, there was a fifth survivor," Rossi explained.
"Dr. Nielson!" the doctor guessed. "At the time they said there was a fifth woman, but no one ever came forward. And, now, you think she is suffering from PTSD?"
"Based on what I have observed, yes. In my line of work, I have seen it in others and recognize the symptoms," Rossi explained. "While she seems to be dealing with it, there are occasions when she breaks down."
"Thank you for telling me. I will be sure to add that to my notes and I will keep an eye on her," Dr. Sullivan assured the agent. "And, I will also put some notes in the files that are available to the hospital staff so if she comes in unexpectedly whichever doctor is on duty will know what to do."
"Thank you, Doctor," Rossi responded.
"And, Agent Rossi, one more thing," the doctor continued. "During my years in practice, I have dealt with a variety of situations involving various combinations of birth partners. However, I must say that your group dynamic is definitely the most unusual I have ever encountered."
"And, you haven't even met Garcia!" Rossi chuckled.