“I couldn’t get back up.”

“And the baby?” Sarah asked.

“Rowan was in his crib,” I said. “He was crying, but his voice was getting weaker.”

“He was so hot to the touch.”

The memory made my stomach twist into a hard knot of guilt.

I should have fought harder.

I should have grabbed Landon’s keys before he walked out that door.

“The doctors tell us the baby is stabilizing,” Sarah said, her tone softening slightly.

“But this is a severe case of domestic neglect and endangerment, Mrs. Bellamy.”

“We are opening an official investigation.”

“Officer Miller is here to file the criminal report.”

“Criminal?” I asked.

The word sounded heavy, dangerous.

“Your husband left a post-operative mother and a critically ill newborn locked in a residence without food prep access, medical devices, or communication,” Officer Miller said.

“Under North Carolina law, that constitutes felony child abuse by neglect.”

“And potentially kidnapping or false imprisonment regarding you.”

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I had wanted Landon to face consequences, but the reality of police involvement was terrifying.