My 6-year-old granddaughter phoned me in panic just after midnight. “Mommy says the baby is coming! Help!” I asked, “Where’s daddy?” She answered, “He k!cked mommy’s tummy and left.”…..

“Severe blunt force trauma to the abdomen,” she answered. “The placenta is partially detached, meaning the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen. We need to deliver immediately.”

Harry felt Lydia’s fingers tighten around his coat.

Dr. Martinez hesitated, and when she spoke again, her voice became more measured. “The injuries are consistent with someone being kicked or punched repeatedly.”

Harry clenched his jaw so hard his teeth hurt.

“The baby?” he asked.

“We’ll know more after surgery. Right now, my focus is saving both of them.”

Then she disappeared through the surgical doors.