“A formal police report has been filed for felony child endangerment and unlawful restraint.”

“We have security footage from your home showing your mother locking the exits.”

“We also have medical reports from the attending pediatricians detailing the infant’s dehydration.”

“You are ordered to return to Charlotte immediately to face questioning.”

On the other end of the line, a woman’s voice drifted over the microphone.

It was Patricia.

“Who is that, Landon?” she demanded in her sharp, commanding tone. “Hang up the phone.”

“It’s the police, Mom,” Landon muttered, his voice sounding younger, smaller. “They are at the hospital with Marissa.”

“Give me that,” Patricia said.

A second later, her voice came through the speaker, crisp and entirely devoid of warmth.

“Officer, this is Patricia Bellamy,” she said.

“My family has deep roots in this city, and we know the chief of police personally.”

“My daughter-in-law is mentally unstable and is currently attempting to kidnap my grandson.”

“We will be back on Tuesday as scheduled, and our lawyers will handle this matter then.”

“Do not call this number again.”