On an ordinary morning Sarah stood behind the bakery counter, sliding a cake box across to a smiling customer, when her phone buzzed.

“Hello?” she answered, brushing flour from her apron.

“Miss Sarah,” a calm but urgent voice came through. “This is Officer Kris. I found Maria. I need you to meet me.”

The words hit like a blow. Sarah froze, her breath lodged in her chest.

“I’ll text you the address,” he added. “Meet me there.”

The line clicked dead.

Sarah turned to ...