“What’s wrong?”

“Where were you?” Cindy asked.

“Nursery B,” Darlene said defensively. “If you needed something, why didn’t you ask Marie?”

“Because I can’t find Marie.”

“What?” Darlene exclaimed. “Then who’s with the babies?”

“Good question!” Decker snarled.

“No one in there for the last hour maybe,” Cindy said.

“That’s crazy!” Darlene said. “I passed Marie a long while back. She said she was on her way back to Nursery J.”

“Then she didn’t show up,” Decker said.

When they arrived at the nursery, Darlene stopped and said, “Detective, you’re going to have to wait here, because you’re not suited up.”

“Cindy, go in and tell me Hannah’s okay.”

“Right away.”

Darlene faced Decker. “I’m very sorry. I don’t know how this hap—”

“It happened because you were careless,” Decker snapped.

“I don’t appreciate your rudeness, Detective.”

“And I don’t appreciate hospital negligence.”

Darlene folded her arms around her chest. “I don’t think there’s any sense in pursuing this conversation.”

“I agree,” Decker said. “So why don’t you forget about my manners and just get back to work.”

Red-faced and shaking, Darlene opened and closed her mouth. Then she turned and disappeared within the inner sanctum of the nursery. Decker looked down at his sides and saw his hands clenched into fists. Slowly, he uncoiled his fingers. Cindy came back a moment later. She was breathless.

“She’s fine, Daddy. Sleeping like…” Suddenly, Cindy broke into tears. “I’m sorry.”

Decker hugged his daughter tightly. “No, I’m sorry, Cynthia. I shouldn’t have belittled you like that. That was terrible.” He laughed nervously. “A heap of thanks for all your help, huh?”

“But you were right,” Cindy dried her tears on his sweats. “I shouldn’t have left Hannah. I should have just called you.”

“As long as Hannah’s okay.”

Cindy pulled away and nodded. “She’s fine. I’ll just go back—”

Decker pulled her back into his arms and hugged her again. “Cindy, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

She smiled. “It’s okay, Daddy.”

Decker said, “I’m checking Rina and Hannah out just as soon as Rina gets the final okay from her doctor. This place is a security nightmare. You better believe Rina’s doctor as well as the administration are going to be hearing from me. Some heads are going to roll.”

“Daddy, Darlene is a single parent—”

“I don’t care, Cynthia. If this is a typical example of her competence, it stinks!”

“What about Marie?” Cindy said. “Isn’t she at fault, too?”

“Cindy, as far as I’m concerned, the both of them aren’t fit to run a chicken coop!”

Cindy broke off and whispered, “Daddy, you’re shouting.”

Decker stopped. “Dad on the rampage, huh?”

Calm down, Deck.

“I’m all right, Cindy.” Decker gave her a forced smile.

And remember to unclench your jaw.