Mara approached with documentation of the legitimate prescription, following the appropriate privacy and medical information procedures.
She explained that Naomi had picked up a valid refill and had not been connected to the earlier shoplifting complaint.
The paramedic thanked her.
Mercer stepped closer.
"That medication is still being held as evidence."
Mara looked directly at him.
"Then the medical team needs to know what has been withheld and why."
Jordan nodded.
The younger officer looked toward his supervisor.
For a moment, he seemed to make a decision.
"Sergeant, I'm documenting the pharmacy's verification and the medical request."
Mercer stared.
"You'll do what I tell you."
Jordan took a slow breath.
"I'll follow lawful instructions and department procedure."
The parking lot became quiet.
For several seconds, the two officers faced one another.
Then Mercer looked away.
It was a small exchange.
But Amanda noticed it.
The younger officer wasn't trying to embarrass his supervisor.
He was refusing to let the need for medical care disappear beneath the sergeant's anger.
Naomi was placed on the ambulance stretcher.
Amanda climbed into the vehicle after receiving permission.
She held her friend's hand during the journey.
The paramedics monitored Naomi and continued asking relevant questions.
Naomi tried to remain calm.
But every movement of the ambulance reminded her of the fall.
She stared toward Amanda.
"What if the baby isn't okay?"
Amanda swallowed.
She wanted to promise everything would be fine.
She wanted to say the baby was safe, that the pain meant nothing, and that the worst moment had already passed.
But she didn't know.
And she refused to offer certainty she couldn't justify.
So she squeezed Naomi's hand.
"We're going to let the doctors examine you, and we're staying with you."
Naomi began crying.
Amanda leaned closer.
"You're not doing this alone."
The pregnant woman looked toward her.
For a moment, she seemed to remember something.
Then whispered, "You said that when I told you I was pregnant."
Amanda nodded.
"I meant it."
The ambulance continued toward the hospital.
Outside, traffic moved through Richmond.
People walked into shops.
Children waited at intersections.
And ordinary life continued without knowing that one woman inside the ambulance was terrified she might lose the child she'd spent years hoping to carry.
Amanda looked toward Naomi.
Then silently promised herself that she would not let the public drama surrounding the officer distract her from what mattered most.