“I’m calling the federal marshal right now,” Naomi said. “He is violating his bail conditions by being within five hundred feet of you or Evelyn. We are going to end this today.”

“I’m heading to your office near the courthouse,” I said. “Keep General Vale informed.”

“I’m on it,” Naomi said, her voice sharp and focused. “Do not go back to the hospital, Tessa. Let the marshals do their job.”

I ended the call and leaned back against the dark leather headrest.

The sergeant navigated the afternoon traffic of Alexandria with practiced ease, the hum of the engine a steady vibration under my feet.

My hand rested on my stomach, still tender from the emergency delivery.

I thought of Evelyn, sleeping safely in her bassinet under the watchful eye of the hospital security staff.

I would not let him near her.

Twenty minutes later, the sedan pulled into the underground parking garage of the federal building.

The air down there was damp and smelled of diesel exhaust and wet concrete.

Naomi was waiting by the elevator, her briefcase gripped tightly in her right hand.