My Daughter Begged Me Not to Get Off the Bus—Minutes Later, My Boyfriend Sent a Photo of My Deed Beside a Contract I Had Never Signed

There were practical reasons to clarify what had been arranged, whether documents had been submitted, and whether other parties would stop pursuing the transaction.

Any meeting also had to account for the threats and the attempted pickup.

Rachel informed the investigators handling the reports.

Safety arrangements were discussed, including my ability to leave and the care plan for Lily.

The authorities made their own decisions about what they would observe and how they would respond.

I was not instructed to obtain a confession or invent questions until somebody lost control.

I agreed to a brief meeting with Rachel present, on conditions she made clear beforehand.