“We don’t need it,” Rich announced, stepping in front of Ashlee.
“How about some vitamins that are for pregnant women?” Cate said rapidly. “It’s so important that she’s getting all the vitamins she needs. That baby is stealing them from her body.”
“Vitamins are just a ploy to get your money,” said Rich. “They’re bullshit. Our bodies make what we need.”
Cate wanted to get something into Ashlee’s hands. “That’s true. But babies are greedy. Every little bit helps.”
Rich took a step toward Cate. “Get the fuck off my property.”
Cate was tempted to argue the validity of that statement.
“I understand,” she told Rich. “A lot of people feel that way. I’ll just leave some women’s hygiene products. She’ll need them for all the heavy bleeding after—”
“Fine! Jeez.” He grabbed Ashlee’s arm, hauled her forward, and then gave her a shove in the back. “Go get your women’s shit.”
Ashlee stumbled forward, her arms out for balance. She was gigantic, making Cate wonder if she was pregnant with twins. Rich stood back and watched, his arms crossed on his chest, disgust in his eyes. Cate had hoped he’d keep his distance when she gave Ashlee the hygiene products.
Cate quickly set down her box and dug out the sanitary pads. She slipped a small piece of paper out of her pocket. Ashlee approached and Cate stood, holding the paper on the plastic-wrapped pads so that Ashlee could read it.
It was a photocopy of what Ashlee—Cate assumed—had written on the newspaper article. Just the handwritten portion. Seeing her huge belly and Rich’s attitude, Cate had little doubt that it was Ashlee who had described her fear for her unborn child. The young woman froze as she saw the photocopy, and then her gaze leaped to Cate’s.
“Here you go,” Cate said conversationally but loud enough for Rich to hear. “I hope these are helpful after your baby is born. Have you had any contractions?”
“Yes,” whispered the girl, raising a hand to her forehead. “And my head and back hurt all the time.”
Alarmed, Cate looked at Rich. “Did you know your wife has been having contractions?”
“She’s been bitching about pain for months. It’s normal.”
Ashlee winced and put both hands on her belly. Cate swore the abdomen seemed to rise and tighten under Ashlee’s snug shirt.
Holy shit.
“She’s having a contraction right this second.”
“It’s those fake labor things,” snapped Rich. “Leigh, get over here. Now.”
“Can I leave her some acetaminophen for her—”
“No. Nothing else. Just the female crap.”
Confident that Ashlee had recognized the note, Cate crumpled the paper back into her hand and passed her the pack of pads. “Hopefully help for the baby will come soon.” She held Ashlee’s gaze, praying the young woman understood that someone would get her out of this horrible situation soon.
“I hope so too,” the young woman said. Her eyes were bloodshot, and exhaustion surrounded her. But there was a hint of trust that hadn’t been there a few moments before.
“You can count on it.”
I’ve got to get her out of here today.
Cate nodded at her and returned to the other two women, who hadn’t said a word during the entire exchange. The three of them headed back toward the clearing.
“He’s a real asshole,” whispered Selina. “We’ve felt so sorry for that girl. He doesn’t let her do anything.”