Page 1 — The Boy Who Wouldn’t Let Go
Detective Mark Reyes arrived fast—too fast for this hour—which told Sarah the situation had already escalated beyond “possible abuse.”
Reyes didn’t march in like TV cops do. He sat down. He lowered his voice. He made himself smaller.
“Evan,” he said, “I’m Mark. I’m here to keep you and Lily safe.”
Evan’s hands were still on the blanket wrapped around the baby. White knuckles. Like if he let go, the world would take her.
“Where do you live?” Reyes asked.
Evan gave an address without hesitation. Like he’d memorized it for a worst-case scenario.
“Who is ‘he,’ Evan?”
Evan’s mouth opened… then closed. His eyes flicked to the doorway like the word itself might summon someone.
Dr. Patel stepped in softly. “You’re safe here. Doors lock. Cameras. Security. No one can walk in and take you.”
Evan whispered, “He doesn’t knock.”
