“Then you made me apologize for upsetting you.”
Julian’s smile vanished.
Naomi placed the emergency protective order on the counter.
It had been signed minutes earlier by a county judge after reviewing Chloe’s sworn statement, the photographs of her injuries, the threatening messages, and the initial hospital records Marcus had obtained through an emergency preservation request.
The order prohibited Julian from contacting Chloe except through counsel.
It removed him from every medical decision involving her delivery.
It also instructed the hospital to preserve audit logs, security footage, surgical schedules, consent forms, internal messages, and medication orders connected to Chloe’s care.
Julian scanned the first page.
“This judge has no idea how a hospital works.”
“The judge understands threats,” Naomi said.
One of the administrators, a gray-haired woman named Patricia Bell, finally stepped forward.
She served as the hospital’s chief compliance officer.
“Dr.
Thorne,” she said carefully, “until the board reviews this matter, you need to surrender your access badge.”
He stared at her as if she had spoken in another language.
“I am the chief executive of this hospital.”
“And the order requires us to secure the records from anyone named in the complaint.”
“I appointed you.”
Patricia’s mouth tightened.
“That does not make me yours.”
Julian looked from one face to another, searching for the obedience that had always arrived before he finished asking for it.
No one offered it.
He turned to the security officer.
“Remove these people.”
The officer looked at the court officer, then at Patricia.
“Sir, I can’t do that.”
Julian stepped closer.
“You can, and you will.”
Marcus quietly angled his phone so the camera captured every word.
Naomi noticed and said, “Please continue, Dr.
Thorne.”
That was when Julian realized the hallway was no longer his stage.
Everything he said was becoming evidence.
He took a breath and rebuilt his public face.
“Chloe needs rest,” he said.
“This spectacle is dangerous for the baby.
As her physician and husband, I am asking everyone to leave.”
A new voice answered from behind him.
“You are no longer her physician.”
Dr.
Sofia Ruiz walked out of the elevator carrying a medical bag.
She was a maternal-fetal specialist from an independent hospital across the city.
Naomi had contacted her through an emergency patient-advocacy network while the petition was being filed.
Dr.
Ruiz approached Chloe rather than Julian.
“My name is Sofia.
Your attorney asked me to evaluate you.
Do I have your permission?”
Chloe nodded.
“Yes.”
Julian stepped into the doctor’s path.
“She is not credentialed here.”
Patricia held up her phone.
“Temporary emergency privileges were approved by the board’s medical chair nine minutes ago.”
The color rose in Julian’s face.
