Brenda let out a short laugh. “Oh, honestly.” I acted as though she hadn’t spoken.

Mr. Ellis printed several additional pages and attached them to the report. “The video must remain in our archive,” he explained, “but this reference number allows authorized investigators to request its preservation.”

“Thank you.” His voice lowered. “Your daughter was extremely frightened. She finally calmed down after we located your photo through an emergency contact record.”

My throat tightened. “You had my picture?”

“She remembered your name. We found it through an earlier report connected to your phone number.”

Lily leaned close enough to whisper. “I told them Mommy comes.”