Daisy reached out and took my trembling hand in hers.

“Are you scared right now, Mom?”

I squeezed her small fingers tight.

“I’m a little bit scared, to be honest.”

“Should we call the police department right now?” she asked.

“Not tonight, Daisy,” I answered firmly.

“Why shouldn’t we call them if Dad left us a message?” she persisted.

“Because I need to think everything through very carefully before I share this with anyone else,” I said.