My father hung up his phone and walked back to us.

“The paperwork is already being filed,” my father said. “The judge is signing the temporary order immediately. The police will serve you shortly, Ethan.”

Ethan laughed, a dry, bitter sound.

“A piece of paper won’t stop me from getting what’s mine,” he said.

“Try it,” my father said. “And you’ll find out what a military arrest looks like when you violate a federal protective order on a military family.”

Ethan’s eyes darted between my father and the detective.

He realized he was outnumbered and outmatched.

He took two steps backward toward the sliding doors of the parking garage.

“You’re going to regret this, Hannah,” he said. “Both of you.”

He turned and walked quickly through the doors, the cold night air rushing into the warm hallway as they slid open.

I leaned against the wall, my knees feeling like water.

My father caught me under my elbow, supporting my weight.

“He’s gone, sweetheart,” he said softly.

“For now,” I said. “But he was so angry, Dad. What if he tries to get to Owen through the hospital staff?”