Vance said, crisp and dismissive.

“Teresa left the house shortly after eleven to meet her lunch party.”

“She left my toddler inside a sealed metal box,” Mariana said, the words coming out short and jagged.

“She believed the child was resting quietly under supervision,” Mr.

Vance insisted softly.

“Teresa is prepared to step back from all babysitting for as long as you think necessary.”

Mariana didn’t answer him.

She pulled her hand away from the phone and stared out the third-floor window at the yellow streetlights coming on along Thomas Road.