The hospital called and said a little boy had listed me as his emergency contact. I laughed nervously and said, “That’s impossible. I’m 32, single, and I don’t have a son.”

paper rattled.

Oliver watched me. “Is Mom in trouble?”

I wanted to shield him from the truth, but children always know when adults lie.

“I think she was trying to keep you safe,” I said.

His eyes filled. “Is she coming?”

“I don’t know yet.”

The honest answer hurt, but not as much as a false promise would have.

I called Detective Reed from the hallway while continue reading …