He had on a gray suit and carried a thick brown leather briefcase.

He pulled three manila folders from the briefcase and laid them flat on the table.

He squared the stacks of paper with both hands until the corners lined up perfectly.

“Denise filed the mandatory report with the state,” Mark said.

“That sets off a preliminary investigation by child services.”

“I have the text,” I said.

“I have the text my mother sent.”

I unlocked my phone and showed him the words Barbara had typed at seven fifty-five.