“I need to verify this with the clerk’s office,” she was saying through the intercom speaker by the door.

“We don’t have time for that, ma’am,” the taller EMT said, his voice flat and impatient. “The court order is right here, signed this morning.”

My father pushed the door open with a loud clatter.

The heavy metal door hit the rubber stopper on the wall.

The two men spun around, their hands instantly dropping to their sides.

“Step away from the desk,” my father commanded.

His voice filled the small room, vibrating against the plastic chairs and the pastel-colored walls.

“Who are you?” the taller EMT asked, stepping in front of the infant carrier.

“I am Colonel Michael Bennett,” my father said, stepping directly into the man’s personal space. “And you are attempting to transport a child under a fraudulent order.”

Agent Vance stepped up beside my father, pulling his badge from his jacket pocket.

“Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Vance said. “Put the carrier down on the floor.”

The second EMT looked at his partner, his eyes widening in sudden panic.