New York, Mayo Medical Center, New York Branch.
In the exam room, Monica Weiss lay on a machine while a doctor and several nurses clustered around her for a thorough checkup. Steve Owen and Beth waited outside behind a glass window.
Their trip to the Amazon had turned into an expedition—attacked by giant anacondas, dragged into the Doghead Society's killing game, constantly on edge, often soaked by rain and wading rivers. Any one of those would be too much for an ordinary pregnant woman; Monica went through the whole set. Steve was worried it might affect the baby's health, so as soon as they were safe he contacted Beth, flew back to New York on her private jet, and came to the top-ranked Mayo Medical Center for a full workup.
"Don't worry. Professor Harrison is an expert in this. He handles prenatal exams for a lot of wealthy clients…"
As Beth was reassuring Steve, Professor Harrison powered down the equipment and approached with a report in hand. Behind him, the nurses wheeled Monica out.
"No major issues. The mother is in good health, and the baby is fine. Just a slight cold—I've prescribed medication. Still, I recommend a few days of observation. We'll provide comprehensive nutrition—best for her recovery…"
"We'll follow your lead."
After expressing thanks, they watched as the nurses wheeled Monica toward a ward. Steve and Beth followed.
"Thank you, Beth. Sorry to trouble you again."
"Don't be silly. You and Monica are dear friends. I'm happy to help. And I should be thanking you—for wiping out that scum…"
The Doghead Society was probably Beth's greatest enemy in this world. She had hired private investigators to track their members, but they hadn't delivered. Now Steve had a complete list and had posted bounties through the Continental. It was a wish granted.
"We'll need your help with Ina, too."
Steve thanked Beth again. Beth waved it off. "Don't worry. This really isn't a big deal for me. If we can't find any relatives, I can adopt her."
They had reported everything to the police after leaving the Amazon, but Brazil's management of the rainforest was poor, and the case went nowhere. Ina's parents were dead; she was an orphan.
Rambo was taciturn and rough around the edges—hardly suited to care for a child. In the end, Steve suggested that he and Monica bring Ina back to the U.S. to look for relatives. If none could be found, she'd go to child services.
Steve and Monica had considered adopting her themselves, but hadn't decided. Beth adopting was a bit awkward—she wasn't married, though the law allows single people over 24 to adopt.
In the ward, the three chatted a while. Monica was in good spirits. Thanks to her previous line of work, she was very fit. Despite the Amazon trip's many surprises, the baby hadn't been affected.
"Alright, Monica, I've got things to handle. I'll come by again tomorrow."
Beth's assistant appeared at the door. Beth stood and said her goodbyes. Only Steve and Monica remained.
They looked at each other and smiled. Monica shrugged. "Sorry, honey. I didn't think this trip would turn into… that."
It was supposed to be a honeymoon. Steve had wanted Hawaii or the Maldives. Monica chose the Amazon—and this is what they ran into.
Steve brushed Monica's forehead with a fond touch, teasing himself: "How could I blame you? It's on me. You know I'm a magnet for trouble."
"Hahaha—"
They laughed together.
By the bed, Steve peeled a tangerine for Monica. She lay in a hospital gown, hooked up to monitors, face beaming. He handed her a segment; she didn't reach for it—just opened her mouth. Grinning, he popped it in.
Steve gazed at her with all the tenderness in the world. Monica chewed, juice dribbling, both of them still play-fighting when the phone suddenly chimed. It was a video call request from Silly Sweetie.
Steve held up the phone for Monica to see. They leaned in together. Monica smiled and tapped accept.
Silly Sweetie's smiling face filled the screen.
She wore sunglasses, long curls over her shoulders, and a sexy bikini as she greeted them.
"Hi, Monica! Steve! How's the honeymoon?"
"Mm… thrilling…"
They exchanged a look and laughed.
"Why do I feel like your background looks like… a hospital?"
Silly Sweetie looked puzzled. Monica didn't want her worrying, so she jumped in: "It's nothing. I've got morning sickness—we came for a checkup. Don't worry. How about you? Looks like you're at the beach—where?"
Not wanting her to press the point, Monica steered the conversation. Silly Sweetie lit up: "I'm in Hawaii, soaking up the sun and beach. It's gorgeous here…"
She panned the camera. Steve let out a low whistle. Yeah—gorgeous—because a shapely bikini girl crossed behind her, and he enjoyed the view a moment too long.
Feeling Monica's daggered side-eye, Steve feigned innocence. "Is that guy playing volleyball over there Fred?"
He knew full well Fred had taken Silly Sweetie to Hawaii for sun and surf.
Fred had indeed been playing beach volleyball and now leaned into frame. "Hey, boss! Hey, Monica—"
They chattered for a bit. Silly Sweetie was hyped and said she'd pull everyone else in. The call switched to group video. Soon Bayev, Ghost, and Heartbeat popped online; only Swagger showed as unreachable.
Bayev connected first, his big face filling the screen. He burst out laughing. "Guys! Long time no see!"
Everyone greeted him in turn. Steve grinned. "Night Owl, what are you up to?"
"Picnic! Look—we're having a family picnic in the park."
He pulled the camera back. Sure enough, they were on a lawn with a picnic blanket. A woman arranged food, with two girls—one older, one younger—and a boy beside her.
"This is Balalaika, my love. That's my eldest, Katya; my son, Oleg; and my youngest, Sonya. Kids, these are Daddy's colleagues…"
As he introduced them, his wife and the children waved at the camera. The scene was pure joy.
______
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