Without another word, he turned and walked back to the elevator, his wet boots leaving gray tracks on the floor.

Ms. Vance watched him go, her face pale.

“That still does not change the custody situation,” Ms. Vance said, turning back to Ethan. “The Department of Child Services has been notified of the mother’s passing.”

“The Department of Child Services will not be touching my daughter,” Ethan said.

“Mr. Caldwell is the biological father,” Paul said, stepping between Ethan and the administrator.

“There is no father listed on the birth certificate, Mr. Raskin,” Ms. Vance said, her voice firming up. “I checked the records myself when she was admitted.”

Paul opened his briefcase and pulled out a document printed on heavy paper.

“This is an emergency petition for temporary guardianship,” Paul said, handing the paper to Ms. Vance. “Signed by Judge Holmgren of the Cook County Circuit Court ten minutes ago.”

Ms. Vance took the paper, her eyes scanning the lines quickly.

“How did you get a judge to sign this so fast?” she asked, her voice dropping.