“All you have to do is sign this temporary guardianship release before the county court’s ninety-day emergency custody window closes at nine o’clock.”

Dr.

Thorne stepped away from the counter by the wall, where he had been writing notes on a patient clipboard.

He walked right between Julian and the plastic bassinet, his white lab coat brushing the side rail of my bed.

“You need to leave this room right now, Mr.

Vance,” Dr.

Thorne said, his voice quiet and immovable.

Julian lifted his chin and stared at the doctor’s name badge with mild irritation.