The officer pressed play on a second file — the instruction about Ellwood signing on Friday — and then a third — the mechanic across the border.

And then one more, the one that made even the detectives go still: The kid knows nothing.

And even if he did, who believes a traumatized eight-year-old?

Sam did not say a word.

Adaira felt, rather than heard, her son cross to her bed and slide his small hand beneath the sheet and wrap it around hers.

“Mommy,” he whispered.