Chapter 2 - The Empty Incubator
Caleb scrambled to his feet and pushed past the stunned doctor.
He sprinted blindly down the sterile white corridors toward the neonatal intensive care unit.
His lungs burned with every frantic breath he pulled into his chest.
He shoved open the double doors of the NICU and searched for his surname on the digital monitors.
He found the clear plastic incubator at the very end of the quiet room.
The small mattress inside was completely empty.
A terrified nursing assistant was standing nearby, holding a clipboard with shaking hands.
"Where is my child?" Caleb roared, his voice echoing off the hospital walls.
"A transport team took the infant to a specialized private facility five minutes ago," she stammered.
"An older woman authorized the transfer with legally binding power of attorney documents."
Caleb pulled out his cell phone and dialed his mother's number.
Lorraine answered on the very first ring with an eerie, calculated calmness.
"I am simply protecting my fragile grandchild from an unfit, adulterous mother," Lorraine said smoothly.
"You bring my baby back right now, or I swear I will kill you," Caleb threatened darkly.
"You will never find this child until you sign immediate divorce papers," she replied.
Before Caleb could scream again, he heard a distinct sound in the background of the call.
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It was the overhead intercom chime of Harbor Regional Medical Center.
His mother had not left the building yet.
