A tall police officer was standing outside a heavy wooden door with a frosted glass window.

The words *Science Prep – Authorized Personnel Only* were painted on the glass in faded black letters.

The officer looked at me, his expression cautious.

“Are you the mother?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, showing him my ID with trembling fingers. “I have sole custody. The judge signed the order ten minutes ago.”

The officer nodded and stepped back.

“He locked the deadbolt from the inside,” the officer said. “We tried using the master key, but he left his own key in the lock on his side, so we can’t turn it.”

I stepped up to the heavy door and pressed my forehead against the cold wood.

“Nolan,” I called out, trying to keep my voice from cracking. “Nolan, sweetie, it’s Mom.”

There was no sound from inside.

“Nolan, please speak to me,” I begged. “The bad man is gone. The police are here, and they’re keeping us safe.”

A soft rustle came from the other side of the door.

“Mom?” a small, muffled voice asked.