Without another word, he walked to his cruiser and drove off down the street.

I stood on the porch and watched his car disappear around the corner, my heart heavy with worry.

Later that evening, after my daughters were settled downstairs, I took out the slip of paper Mrs.

Gable had given me and dialed Samuel Vance’s number.

The phone rang four long times before a tired voice answered.

“Hello?”

“Is this Samuel Vance?” I asked cautiously.

“Yes, this is Samuel,” he replied.