The room went cold.
Anna grabbed the phone with hands that were shaking so bad she almost dropped it. "Where is he? Who's at the door?"
"Mommy, he has a badge. Like a policeman. He says you're in trouble and I have to go with him to keep safe." The little voice cracked. "I'm scared, Mommy."
My heart ripped in half.
"Baby, listen to me." Anna's voice was calm but I could see the terror in her eyes. "Don't open the door. Do you hear me? Do NOT open that door."
"But he has a badge—"
"I don't care what he has. You lock that door right now. Run to your room and hide in the closet. The one with the blankets. Remember we practiced?"
"Yes, Mommy."
"Good boy. Do it now. I'm coming. I'm coming right now. Leave the phone on, put it in your pocket, and don't make a sound. Go."
We heard scuffl
