No siren forcing the neighborhood to look up.

But the house at the end of the cul-de-sac was ringed with authority.

Cruisers had the driveway blocked off with tape. Two officers stood on the front porch. Another was on the wet grass taking a statement from Mrs. McDaniel, who had a blanket around her shoulders and fury in her face.

I had the SUV door open before the vehicle stopped.

A police lieutenant intercepted me on the walkway before my boots reached the first step.

“Colonel Carroll, I need you to stop right there,” Lieutenant Norman said, one hand raised. “I need you calm, and I need my officers to work this scene properly.”