Chapter 3 - Losing Control
The cold concrete walls of the holding cell felt like a literal nightmare.
Every second I spent locked in that cage was a second Maisie was fighting for her life without me.
After what felt like an eternity, a guard finally rattled the metal bars.
"Your fiancé posted your bail," the guard grunted, unlocking the heavy door.
Lucas was waiting for me in the lobby, his face pale and drawn.
"They pumped her stomach, and she is finally stable," Lucas said, offering a glimmer of hope.
I burst into tears of relief and grabbed his hand to run toward the exit.
"We need to get to her room right now," I demanded.
When we arrived at the pediatric intensive care unit, a woman in a sharp gray suit blocked the door.
She introduced herself as an agent from Child Protective Services.
"Due to the pending criminal investigation against you, you are barred from any contact with the child," she stated firmly.
I tried to push past her, but a hospital security guard stepped into my path.
"Who is watching her then?" I asked, my voice cracking with desperation.
May you like
Through the glass window of the hospital room, I saw someone stroking my sleeping daughter's hair.
Elaine slowly turned around, holding temporary custody papers, and smiled wickedly right at me.
