I don't recognize the voice right away.

"Mak, please."

It's Penny Dandridge. "What's wrong, Penny?" I ask her softly. She sounds desperate and it helps clear my foggy thoughts.

"I need you to pick me up," she says between tears while gasping for breath.

This isn't good, and I'm rethinking a cement foundation for her soon-to-be ex-husband.

"Okay, have you called the police?"

"No police." Pure distress is clear in her answer. "Don't call them, ...