My wife is participating. I’m airborne and diverting to the nearest base. I need eyes on the property, a legally binding chain of custody, coordination with local law enforcement, and absolutely nothing reckless.

All of it by the book.”

Every trace of ease went out of Jackson’s voice. “Send me everything on your screen.”

I forwarded the live feed, the coordinates, the gate codes, the floor plan, and my custody documentation.

Then I called the Connecticut police to report an active assault. Then my attorney, to start on the legal strategy. Then child protective services, to open an emergency file.

Last, I called my next-door neighbor, Mrs. McDaniel.