I cried so hard I had to put the card down.

At home, Dad had begun telling extended relatives I’d been “taken away” because I’d become troubled.

Colleen showed me one of his messages and asked whether I wanted to respond.

I said no.

For once I didn’t have to defend myself to an audience he had already arranged.

Then a call came from Deputy Ruiz.

The pharmacy pickup had been captured on a security camera.

The footage was imperfect but showed the date, time, and a young woman whose jacket matched one Tiffany wore frequently.