“The infant was admitted with severe dehydration and a fever.”

“The father was notified repeatedly by the hospital staff but refused to return, choosing to remain at a coastal resort.”

The judge leaned forward, looking directly at Landon.

“Mr. Bellamy,” Judge Vance said, her voice dropping to a dangerous register.

“Did you leave your three-day-old son and your recovering wife to go on a vacation?”

Landon stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the linoleum floor.

“It was a pre-paid trip, Your Honor,” Landon stammered, his fingers twitching against his thighs.

“My mother said Marissa was just being dramatic, that the baby would be fine for a few days.”

Patricia shot him a sharp, warning glare, but the damage was already done.

“Your mother does not parent your child, Mr. Bellamy,” the judge said.

“You do.”

“Or, in this case, you did not.”

The judge shuffled the papers on her desk, her pen scratching loudly as she signed a document.

“The petition for emergency custody filed by Patricia Bellamy is denied,” Judge Vance announced.

“Furthermore, this court finds a clear, documented pattern of neglect and abandonment on the part of the father, Landon Bellamy.”