I threw myself upright on the operating table. The massive, unsutured incision across my abdomen meant nothing. I rolled off the edge of the bed, hit the floor, and grabbed Darrell's ankle with everything I had.
"Darrell, what are you doing? This is our child! Don't do this!"
He clearly hadn't expected me to be conscious. He stared at me like he was looking at a ghost, released his grip, and stumbled two steps back.
I looked up at him, trembling, fighting to keep my voice steady.
"Darrell, if you stop now, I'll pretend none of this ever happened. You're this baby's biological father. Don't let someone manipulate you into this!"
"Darrell!"
Rebecca cut me off. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her.
"Don't believe her. She's seen everything. She'll never let you go. Or have you forgotten? Before tonight, you already killed eight of them!"
"Darrell Farley, if you stop right now, I'll let everything before this go!"
"That's impossible, Darrell!"
Rebecca threw her arms around him, tears streaming down her face.
"Have you forgotten the promise you made me? Don't let a moment of weakness destroy me and our child!"