"Say that again," I said into the phone, my voice barely holding steady. "Slowly. Tell me exactly what you mean."
The voice on the other end belonged to someone I didn't recognize — a household staff member, judging by the careful, rehearsed way she spoke, like she'd been told exactly what to say and not one word more. "There's been an unexpected delay in the return schedule, Mrs. Smith. Mr. Smith asked me to let you know Charlotte is safe and well, and that arrangements are being made to bring her home as soon as possible."
"As soon as possible isn't an answer. The court order says six o'clock. It's after seven. Where is my daughter right now?"
"I'm not able to provide additional details, Mrs. Smith. I'm sorry."
The line went dead before I could ask anything else.
I stood there in th
