And then, at the peak of it, the sirens came — close, and getting closer, tearing through the quiet of Paradise Valley.

Noreen’s mouth stopped open.

Craig’s crossed leg went still.

Lorena’s phone slid out of her hand.

Tires braked hard in the drive.

Through the sheer curtains, a Phoenix PD cruiser and an unmarked SUV angled across the driveway, and four officers came up the walk with the unhurried certainty of people who already have everything they need.