Chapter 5
The state of Maryland can fine you up to five thousand dollars for calling in a false alarm, but it was a price I’d gladly pay if it helped find Timmy.
The clock was ticking for my grandson, so I didn’t waste a moment waiting for the fire brigade. With the klaxon relentlessly hooting, I grabbed Emily’s hand and raced from the daycare center into the reception area, where, like some deranged Pied Piper, I picked up Heather, then hurried across the lobby to the gift shop where Alison was frantically closing up.
“Forget that,” I said. “There’s no fire. Timmy’s missing!” I snatched the cash drawer from under Alison’s arm and tucked it beneath a pile of fleece hoodies that had been arranged for sale on a nearby display table. “Alison, I need you to go out to the parking lot. Grab e
