Chapter 2 - The Standoff at Bed Nine"Mr. Moretti, this is a restricted medical facility!" the hospital administrator blustered, stepping forward despite the terror in his eyes. "You have no legal custody of this child, and your presence here violates hospital protocol. Officers, remove him!"
The two police officers stepped forward, their hands firmly gripping their weapon grips. But before they could clear leather, a sharp, authoritative ring pierced the tense silence of the ward.
One of the officers froze, blinked in confusion, and pulled out his radio.
"Report," the officer muttered into the receiver.
As he listened, the color rapidly drained from his face. His eyes widened in sheer disbelief as he stared at Sebastian, then slowly let go of his holster. He cleared his throat, looking toward the administrator with a mixture of helplessness and dread.
"Sir," the officer whispered loudly. "That... that was the precinct captain. Orders from the mayor's office. We are to stand down. Complete non-interference."
Dr. Harrison gasped. "Are you out of your mind? He's a criminal!"
"He's a registered, fully vetted volunteer for the infant comfort program," I interjected sharply, surprising even myself. I stepped between the officers and Sebastian. "His paperwork is authorized, his background check cleared through the state board this morning, and Baby Boy Miller is currently stable in his care. If you disrupt this child's vitals right now over a political panic, Dr. Harrison, you will be the one answering to the medical board."
Sebastian looked up at me, a flicker of dark amusement dancing in his guarded eyes. It was the first time I saw a hint of respect cross his face.
The administrator wiped sweat from his brow, glaring daggers at Sebastian. "Fine. Twelve hours. You have twelve hours of authorized visitation under the volunteer program, Moretti. The moment your shift officially ends at midnight, you are out of here. If you're still breathing hospital air at 12:01 AM, we're calling the FBI."
Without waiting for a response, the administrator turned on his heel and stormed away, dragging a protesting Dr. Harrison and the bewildered police officers back down the corridor.
The heavy silence settled back over the NICU, thick and suffocating.
Sebastian exhaled a long, slow breath, his shoulders dropping slightly. He looked down at the baby, who was sleeping soundly, completely oblivious to the war that had just been fought over his incubator.
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"You didn't have to cover for me," Sebastian said quietly.
"I wasn't covering for a crime boss," I replied, pulling up a chair and sitting across from him. "I was protecting my patient. Now, talk to me, Sebastian. What does seventeen years ago have to do with the baby in your arms?"
