Sheriff Wade got out of the driver’s seat, adjusting his belt.

He walked toward the front door with a heavy, purposeful stride.

He wasn’t alone.

Dr. Owen Vale was with him, carrying his black medical bag.

They were here at three in the morning.

I let the curtain fall back.

I had to get out of the house, but the front stairs were no longer an option.

The nursery had a side door that led to the service staircase.

I walked toward it, my hand on the doorknob.

Before I could turn it, I heard voices in the hallway downstairs.

“Is he here?” Wade’s voice was muffled but distinct.

“I haven’t seen him,” Caleb replied, his voice slurred.

“But his car was spotted near the old pier.”

“We need to find him before he does something stupid,” Margaret’s voice rose above the others, cold and clear.

“He’s unstable, Sheriff.”

“He’s grieving.”

“We must protect the baby.”

I gripped the doorknob tighter, my knuckles turning white.

She was setting the stage.

She was going to make me look like a madman who posed a threat to his own child.