“We have the cell phone records showing seventeen completed calls to Mr. Parker’s personal and business lines,” Helen continued.

“Furthermore, we have the security footage from the hospital showing Mr. Parker’s mother, Margaret Parker, attempting to gain unauthorized access to the neonatal unit to remove the child.”

Margaret opened her mouth to speak, but her lawyer quickly grabbed her arm, whispering fiercely in her ear.

“That is not all, Your Honor,” Helen said.

She produced a printed copy of the threatening text and the photo of Thomas’s gate.

“Three days ago, the petitioner received this threat.”

“We have a sworn affidavit from the cellular provider linking the sender’s IP address to a digital account paid for by the Margaret Parker Charitable Foundation.”

Judge Vance frowned, looking over the documents with sharp, discerning eyes.

“This is highly disturbing,” Judge Vance said.

She looked directly at Ryan.

“Mr. Parker, do you have an explanation for why you were unreachable during your wife’s life-threatening emergency?”

Ryan cleared his throat, his face turning a deep shade of crimson.

“I… my phone was on silent, Your Honor,” Ryan stammered. “I didn’t realize the severity of the situation.”