But Why Daddy?

Chapter 19

By: Lizzie

©Lizzie 2002-2004

            Josh’s heart began to beat faster, “Where are they?”

“County Hospital, first floor at the end of the hall on the left.” Liz said, “I’m on my way to the police station with Robert, you get to that hospital.”

“I’m leaving now.” He hung up the phone and went back to the living room, “Found Paula and Randy” he said grabbing his jacket and keys, “Liz is on her wait with Robert to the police station where Randy is and I have to get to the hospital.”

Cynthia and Karen didn’t ask any questions. They grabbed their jackets and followed Josh out the door and got into his car. The forty-five minute drive to the hospital was a quite one. Cynthia spoke softly on her cell phone and when she got finished, Josh looked back at her in the rear view mirror, “You didn’t have to cancel your lunch plans because of me.”

Cynthia blushed some, “I’m sure you’re going to need the help and I don’t wanna over work Mom.”

Karen laughed, “No such thing.”

“See, no such thing.” Josh said

“Well, I want to be there” Cynthia said, “End of topic.”

Josh simply smiled as he pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and parked. They got out and walked into the hospital. Josh went to where Liz said Paula could be found, knocked on the door and waited for it to be opened, “I’m sorry sir, visiting hours are over.”

“That woman is carrying my child, I need to see her.” Josh said calmly

The nurse looked at Paula who nodded her head and she moved to the side allowing him to walk in, then she walked out, closing the door behind her. Josh walked to the bed and sat in the chair by the bed.

“What happened?”

“Randy.” she said

“How?” He asked lightly touching her stomach.

“I told him he talked to Robert, he got mad, then I told him that the baby wasn’t his and that I was going to tell Liz where I was.” Paula said softly. She glanced down at his hand on her stomach, sighed and looked at back him, “He got mad, hit me then I fell off the side of the bed.”

“I’m sorry.”

For the first time in months, Josh felt bad for Paula and she could tell, “I’ve changed my mind about all this.” she said, “I want to keep her and move away so that Randy can’t get her.”

“But you can’t.”

“Yes I can.” she said, “I lied to you and when I signed those papers I lied again. Maybe one day I’ll want to know who her father is, but for now, this is too much. I don’t want to put anyone else through any more problems.”

“Paula, you didn’t hear me.” Josh said standing up, “You can’t leave with my daughter. If you do, it’s a felony.”

“I don’t care.” Paula said, “I can change my mind about giving her up before she’s born and up to three days after she’s born. And according  to the doctors here, I’m still pregnant so I can change my mind and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Josh stared at her blankly, “Said so in the papers I signed…Robert reminded me of that when I talked to him.”

Josh turned and walked out of the room. He pulled Cynthia off to the side, “Call Lizanne for me. Tell her and Robert to meet me here NOW!” He walked off not saying anything else.

+*+

            Liz and Robert arrived at the police station and were greeted by the Police Captain. “Cap, this is Robert Jamison, he’s Josh’s lawyer.”

            The captain and Robert shook hands before heading to the interrogation room where Randy was.

            Randy looked up and sighed, “So everyone has a lawyer but me, I see…”

            “No one is pressing charges…” Liz said sitting down, “…yet.”

            “Look, Liz, don’t BS with me.” Randy said, “I know why you’re here, but why is he here?” he pointed to Robert.

            “I’m Joshua’s lawyer.” Robert said sitting down as well, “Liz the is the self appointed lawyer for the unborn baby and if anything happens to the baby, she’s the one you have to deal with.”

            “Well, why isn’t Mr. Coleson here?” Randy asked, “He’s Paula’s lawyer.”

            “She can handle her own.” Liz said, “I’m dealing with you now.”

            “So you want the papers that I didn’t sign?”

            “We’re waay beyond that now.” Liz said, “We’re to the court part of things so you better hope you have a good lawyer.”

            “Well, you should know that Paula lied.”

            “We gathered as much.” Robert said, “But that doesn’t change the facts now.”

            “Paula can’t give that baby to him if he isn’t her father!” Randy shouted

            “You know, Randy…” Liz said slowly and softly, “Paula’s only seven months pregnant…”

            “And what of it?”

            “She fell off the edge of the bed and on to her stomach…”

            “You don’t have to remind me, I was there.” Randy said with a huff

            “Paramedics think that caused her to go into labor early.”

            “Babies born two month early have weak lungs and hearts…” The Captain said from his windowsill perch, “I should know, I lost twins that way.”

            “Are you grasping what we’re getting at?” Liz asked. Her cell phone rang; she stood, pulled it out of her pocket and walked out of the room, “Yeah?”

            “It’s Cynthia. Josh wants you and Robert here ASAP.”

            “We’ll be right there.” Liz said. She pressed end on her phone and walked back into the room, “Robert and I have to go. We’re needed at the hospital.”

            Randy looked up, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear, “Is Paula okay?”

            Liz shrugged her shoulders and spoke with to the Captain, “See that he gets a good lawyer.”

Go to Chapter 20