“I adopted a sweet 7-year-old orphan, but while washing her back on the first night, I discovered a scar shaped like a notorious cartel symbol. My blood ran cold. I locked the bathroom door and secretly dialed 911, stuttering, ‘Send help, she isn’t who you think-‘ Before I could finish, she effortlessly shattered the heavy lock, grabbed the phone, and said…”

of the bathroom. I deliberately left the bathroom door wide open, honoring the promise I had made only minutes before. The faint, violet hue of her moon nightlight bled into the hallway from her bedroom.

My cheap prepaid cell phone sat on the kitchen counter, resting maliciously right next to the manila intake folder Sarah had given me.

With shaking continue reading …