The police operation was nothing like the triumphant picture I had imagined in my worst hours.

Officers went to the property with judicial authority.

The gate was dealt with.

The suspects were secured and taken away.

Search activity followed the warrants.

No one invited me to stand inside a crime scene and announce a sentence.

I did go to the public road later, after a friend agreed to sit with Hannah and the hospital staff knew where I would be.

I cannot pretend the journey was necessary.