Qu Tingting had a point. According to the Criminal Procedure Law of the People’s Republic of China, female offenders had the right to probation during pregnancy and a further period of twelve months for breastfeeding. 

“The court will decide that later,” said Xiaotao. “Our duty right now is to arrest you.”

Qu Tingting offered both of her hands and said, “Fine. I’ll go with you without question.”

“Wait!” I interrupted them.

I put a finger on her pulse and listened to it for a ...