The doctor confirmed the procedure had happened within the previous forty-eight hours. Further examination suggested a small device had been placed beneath Lily’s skin.

The hospital ordered imaging and blood work. A social worker arrived. Then a detective named Elena Morales came to speak with me.

Detective Morales looked especially concerned when she heard that an unknown caller had ordered me to return Lily.

Before the scans finished, Sarah called.

“Is Mark with you?”

“No.”