MY HUSBAND SHOOK ME AWAKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT—“GET UP, BACKYARD, NOW!”

out,” he whispered.

I didn’t respond.

He stepped closer to the bushes. “It’s safe now.”

Safe.

I stood slowly, my legs shaking, holding both kids close. “What was that?” I demanded. “Who were those men?”

He exhaled, rubbing his face. “I didn’t want you involved.”

“Involved in what?” My voice cracked despite my effort to stay quiet. “You just let strangers continue reading …