Page 87 of Wrong Number Right Doctor

“It isn’t litigation.”

“Yet.”

“She is the contracted surrogate.”

Marcus sits back slowly. “Oh shit. And you knew this?”

“No.”

“I thought for a second it was you.” He gestures toward me. “Your kid.”

I don’t say anything because I’m not sure yet.

“You knew Alester had an arrangement?”

“Yes. Not with her.”

“So when you signed on as his family physician…”

“I knew there was a surrogate. I knew Dr. Acharya was handling the fertility side. Alester wanted broader medical oversight going forward.”

“And you agreed.”

“I agreed to review and supervise as appropriate.”

Marcus gives me a look. “That sounds like what you say when you want something to sound less insane.”

“It wasn’t insane until I walked into Alester’s house and saw her standing there.”

He goes quiet. I can see him putting it together now.

“When did she find out who you were?” he asks.

“At Alester’s.”

“Jesus.”

“Yes.”

“And Alester?”

“He introduced us.”

Marcus closes his eyes. “Please tell me you both behaved like adults.”

“We said we didn’t know each other.”

His eyes open. “You lied to Alester Chandler in his own house.”

“She said no first.”

“Oh, good. Then it’s a team sport.”

“She panicked.”

“And you?”

“I agreed.”