Vance would not be allowed into my room without my permission.

An hour later he arrived anyway.

I heard him before I saw him, demanding to know why a man he called his employer was being admitted while the baby’s father was delayed.

His voice carried through the corridor like a storm somebody had dragged indoors.

I asked the nurse to let him speak to me from the doorway, with staff present.

I wanted to hear what he would say.