When Sarah returned to the hospital lobby, the man—Daniel Hayes—was still waiting with his arms crossed.
“She needs to come with me,” he said impatiently.
Sarah kept her voice calm.
“Her mother is awake. She says you’re not her father.”
Daniel forced a laugh.
“That woman is seriously injured. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”
Sarah took out her phone and began typing notes.
“Then you won’t mind showing us legal documents proving you’re her father.”
Daniel clicked his tongue.
“I don’t need to prove anything to you. Emma has lived with me for years.”
“For how long?” Sarah asked.
“Three years,” he replied.
Sarah felt a chill.
“And where was her mother during that time?”
“She disappeared.”
Sarah looked him straight in the eyes.
“She didn’t disappear. She’s in this hospital.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
“Enough of this. Bring me my daughter.”
“Not until we have answers.”
Just then, two police officers walked into the hospital.
Sarah stepped forward.
“We need to verify this man’s legal relationship to a minor. The child’s mother says he kidnapped her.”
Daniel raised his hands dramatically.
“This is ridiculous. Now you’re accusing me of kidnapping?”
The officer opened a notebook.