The nurse’s warning whispered in my ear still haunted me: “Ask your son what happened at 3:00 AM.” Moments later, I eavesdropped on his panicked phone call on the fire escape: “If the police find out, we’re ruined.” My hands shook as I unlocked his briefcase in his office. The horrific adoption contract inside changed everything…

pitch black.”

“Elise!” Daniel shouted again, turning the brass doorknob. It was locked tight. He took a step back, sizing up the door. “I’m going to kick it in.”

“Stop!” I grabbed his arm, pulling him back. “Violence is going to escalate this. If she’s terrified, kicking down her door will only push her over the edge.”

“Then what do we do, Mom?!” Daniel continue reading …