The recurring phone number was quickly traced to a temporary field office located near an abandoned regional medical facility on the western edge of the county.

Vance-Higgins Infrastructure had served as the primary construction contractor on that site until the project was abruptly halted eleven months prior due to major financial irregularities.

A judge issued an emergency search warrant based on the live phone call, suspected kidnapping, fraudulent documents, and clear evidence of attempted flight.

Martha rode directly in the back seat of Detective Miller’s unmarked police vehicle.

The detective had initially tried to advise against her coming along, but Martha had simply opened the door, sat down, and buckled her seatbelt before anyone could stop her.