“You have ten minutes to vacate the hospital grounds,” my father said, not looking at Nolan.

“If you are still here, the security guards will execute the trespass warrants,” he added.

Marjorie grabbed Nolan’s arm, her fingers digging into his sleeve.

“Nolan, let’s go,” she hissed, pulling him toward the door. “We will handle this through our own lawyers in the morning.”

Nolan didn’t move for a moment, his eyes darting to the bassinet where Maisie lay.

“She is my daughter,” he said, trying to summon some authority.

“Not anymore,” Clara said, handing a paper document to the lead hospital administrator. “This is an emergency custody order. Sole physical and legal custody has been temporarily granted to Evelyn.”

“Any attempt by Mr. Pierce to approach the child will result in immediate arrest,” Clara added.

The administrator took the paper, glanced at the signature, and nodded to the security guards.

“Mr. Pierce, Mrs. Pierce, please follow us,” the administrator said.

The guards stepped closer, their hands resting near their belts.

Nolan looked at me, a desperate, hollow flicker in his eyes.

“Evy, please,” he said. “We can talk about this.”