SIMS

SIMS Page 97

"Stop!" Luca shouted. "Pull over right now!"

Lowery slammed on the brakes. As the Jeep screeched to an unexpected halt, the two following vehicles skidded past and swerved to stops ahead.

"Where's the blower?" Luca shouted. "Give me the fucking blower!"

"Here," Lowery said, slapping the PCA into his palm. "What's the matter?"

"I am so stupid," Luca said, punching in 4-1-1. "So fucking stupid!"

"Are you going to tell me - ?"

"Cannon's answering service! They'll know where she is!"

He got the number from information, punched it in, and asked for Dr. Cannon.

"Dr. Cannon's not available," a woman's voice told him. "Dr. Moss is covering."

Shit! "I really need to speak to Elizabeth personally. This is her brother and we've got a family emergency that needs her immediate attention."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. I'll try her house and - "

"I've already called and she doesn't answer."

"Maybe she's at the hospital. I can page her if you wish."

"Would you? That would be wonderful."

Luca waited on hold, feeling the time drag by, and then the operator was back on.

"I just spoke to the hospital. Dr. Cannon is in surgery. I can leave a message for her as soon as she gets out."

Surgery? Could it be...?

"Which hospital?"

"Nassau Community. Do you want me to - ?"

He cut her off and turned to Lowery. "Nassau Community Hospital. You know where it is?"

"Not a clue. Give me the address and the GPU will - "

"Right."

Luca punched 4-1-1 again. He'd call the switchboard and ask for the address.

"Why didn't I see it?" he shouted. "The sim's in labor! That's why Cannon's house was empty. Everyone's at the hospital. She's having her baby."

Lowery grinned. "And we didn't bring any cigars."

"Yes, we did," Luca said, patting his HK. "The exploding kind."