One approached Rachel.
“We received your call. What’s going on?”
Rachel stepped forward.
“We need to verify this man’s relationship with a minor. The child’s mother says he isn’t the father.”
Marcus raised his hands in disbelief.
“This is insane. Now I’m being treated like a criminal?”
One officer opened a notebook.
“We just need to check your documents, sir. If everything is fine, you can take her.”
Marcus inhaled slowly.
“Fine. I’ll go home and get them.”
Rachel shook her head.
“Emma stays here until everything is clear.”
Marcus’s eyes darkened.
“You can’t do that.”
The officer spoke firmly.
“Actually, we can.”
Marcus clenched his fists but said nothing. He turned and left the hospital.
Rachel felt uneasy.
“He’ll be back.”
The officer nodded.
“Yes. But now we know he’s hiding something.”
Rachel returned to Natalie’s room.
Emma sat beside the bed holding her mother’s hand.
“Did he leave?” the girl asked quietly.
“For now.”
Emma lowered her gaze.
“He’ll come back. He always does.”
Rachel knelt beside her.
“But this time we’re here. He won’t take you.”
Emma looked uncertain.
“That’s what Mom said last time. But he found us.”
Rachel felt that knot in her stomach tighten.
“Last time?”
Natalie struggled to breathe.