Kate had never heard a sweeter, more welcome sound in her life. She was out the door the second the unmarked patrol car rolled into the cul-de-sac. She’d seen that car before. It belonged to Zeke, who had brought her mother home hours earlier then disappeared. Zeke’s partner, the stocky bodybuilder type who came to the swimming lessons with his baby, got out of the passenger seat and opened the rear door. A woman in street clothes stood up, first, then held out her hand to another passenger. Maya. Kate’s knees nearly gave out when she saw her daughter, but somehow she managed to pick her up. “Maya. Oh, baby, I’m so glad to see you. Are you okay?” Maya wrapped her arms tightly around Kate’s neck and buried her face against her shoulder. Her little body shuddered with sobs. Kate did her best to comfort her, rubbing her back until the weeping eased. “Where did your daddy take you, honey?” Maya’s thin arm lifted as she pointed. Kate realized the foolishness of her question.
