shook my head, my voice barely a whisper. “He was supposed to be in Seattle for a medical conference. I haven’t heard from him since he left yesterday morning.”

The officer nodded, making a note. “We’ll issue a bulletin for his vehicle. In the meantime, we need to ensure Emma’s safety. Would you be comfortable having her stay with a relative or close friend?”

The suggestion was a knife twist. The idea of separating from Emma, even temporarily, made my heart ache. But the logical part of me knew it was necessary. “Yes,” I said, forcing the word out. “Her aunt lives nearby. She can stay there.”

The younger officer stood, his chair scraping softly against the floor. “Thank you, Mrs. Collins. We’ll do everything we can to resolve this quickly.”