Claire hit the key.

“Nine one one, what’s your emergency?”

For a moment the line just breathed.

Then came a small voice, right up against the receiver, so close she could hear the child’s lips part before the words came.

“There’s a snake in my room.”

“All right, honey.” Claire kept her voice soft and steady.

“Can you tell me what your name is?”

“It’s Emily.”

“How old are you, Emily?”

“I’m eight.”

“Eight’s a good age.

Is anybody home with you?”

“Papa’s downstairs.” A pause, and somewhere behind her the roar of a television crowd.

“He’s watching the game.”