Vance moved the wand across Caroline’s skin, turning her head toward the gray ultrasound monitor resting on the lower shelf of the cart.

The machine gave off a low, steady whir, its dark screen flickering with fuzzy gray patterns.

“How long have you had the morning nausea?” Dr.

Vance asked.

“About three weeks,” Caroline said.

“Since the second week of October.”

Dr.

Vance adjusted a dial on the control panel and leaned closer to the display.