Chapter 4 - The Barricade
Mark stepped off the elevator onto the neonatal intensive care floor.
The air here felt even colder and more sterile.
He walked purposefully toward the heavy double doors of the NICU.
A burly security guard stood squarely in front of the entrance.
The guard held up a large, calloused hand.
"I need to see your identification, sir," the guard stated firmly.
"I am Mark Sterling, the father of the child,"
Mark replied with unyielding authority.
He pulled his driver's license from his leather wallet and handed it over.
The guard glanced at the ID and then scanned a clipboard on his podium.
"I am sorry, Mr. Sterling," the guard said with a slight frown.
"Your name is explicitly listed on the restricted access sheet."
Mark felt a dangerous surge of adrenaline flood his veins.
His mother had truly anticipated his every single move.
"My wife is upstairs recovering from severe physical abuse," Mark declared loudly.
"My mother is the abuser,
and she has absolutely no legal right to my child."
Several nurses nearby turned their heads toward the sudden commotion.
The security guard placed his hand cautiously on his radio.
"Sir, I am going to have to ask you to step back," the guard warned.
Just then, the elevator doors chimed and slid open behind Mark.
David stepped out, carrying a sleek black leather briefcase.
He adjusted his sharp glasses and quickly assessed the tense situation.
"I am David Aris, legal counsel for Mr. Sterling," David announced clearly.
May you like
He marched directly up to the podium and slammed a thick file down on the surface.
"And we are about to file an emergency injunction against Eleanor Sterling."
