Detective Chen told me that Leticia and Octavio had left their apartment shortly after police began asking questions.

Their vehicles were located in different parts of the city, and investigators were following leads about where they had gone.

She didn’t provide details that might compromise the search.

“Why would they send back my ring?” I asked.

“Perhaps to frighten you.

Perhaps to communicate that they know you’re alive.

We can’t assign a motive yet.”

“You think they’ve figured it out.”