I had to pull my daughter out of that room before they moved her.

On the screen, Vanessa let go of Lily’s chin and stood up.

She wiped her fingers on her robe as if she had touched something dirty.

“Sleep,” Vanessa said, turning toward the door.

She walked out and closed the door behind her.

The lock turned from the outside with a heavy, metallic thud.

I sank back into my chair, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I looked at the digital clock on the dashboard of my mobile command unit.

It was 11:42 PM.

The snow was falling heavier now, dusting the windshield of the unmarked surveillance van.

I checked the signal strength on Vanessa’s phone again.

The encryption was still active, scrambling the audio of her calls.

If they were preparing to move Lily, I needed to know the exact details of the transport.

I couldn’t risk a direct assault without knowing where the backup was stationed.

I needed to hear their conversations inside the house.

I stood up and walked to the storage locker at the back of the van.