When she came back, she said, “We’d like you both to come to the station after you’ve seen your daughter.

And for tonight, I’d strongly advise staying somewhere else.”

“Is she in danger?” I asked.

Ruiz’s answer was the one I would remember.

“We’re taking the possibility seriously.”

PART 4

The pediatric unit smelled faintly of soap and warm blankets.

I had imagined finding Tessa crying inconsolably or unable to look at me.