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.”…..

I want to know exactly what that bastard did to my daughter. The nurse glanced around, then nodded. Follow me. Dr. Martinez was a small woman with tired eyes and surgical gloves already on her hands. She looked hairy up and down, taking in his work boots, faded jeans, and the child in his arms. You’re the father. I am.

How bad is it? Severe blunt force trauma to the abdomen. The placenta is partially detached, which means the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen. We need to deliver immediately. She paused. The injuries are consistent with being kicked or punched repeatedly. Harry’s jaw clenched so hard his teeth achd. the baby.

We’ll know more after surgery. Right now, I need to focus on saving both of them. Dr. Martinez disappeared through the surgical doors. Harry found two chairs in the waiting area and settled Lydia on his lap. She’d stopped crying, but hadn’t said a word since they arrived. Tell me what happened tonight. Harry said softly that Lydia’s voice was barely a whisper.

Daddy came home mad. He was yelling about money and throwing things. Mommy told him to stop because it was scaring me and the baby. Then he got even madder and pushed her real hard. She fell down and he started kicking her tummy. She was screaming for him to stop, but he wouldn’t.