“Marissa Vale used a local bank branch to illegally move twelve million dollars across international borders.”

“That makes this a federal matter, which overrides your local warrant.”

The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating.

My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket, the screen lighting up.

I pulled it out, the bright light blinding me for a second.

It was a text message from Hannah Brooks, the child services representative.

The message read: *I just received the O’Hare security footage from Clara. It shows Marissa walking away from the gate alone.*

My thumb hovered over the screen as I read the next line.

*But there is someone else on the tape with her. Someone we did not expect.*

Before I could type a reply, a heavy knock sounded on the bedroom door.

my hand stayed on the brass lock, the metal freezing cold against my palm.

“Evelyn,” Ryker’s voice came through the wood, quiet and steady.

“It is safe. Open the door.”

I turned the lock and pulled the heavy door open.

Ryker stood in the hallway, his face pale but composed.