Scarlett allowed her mind to settle, her thoughts threading together like shards of broken porcelain forming a mosaic. Then, leaning closer, she sought the one person she could trust in this moment—the young policewoman.

"Please, I need your help..."

The officer’s eyes softened for the briefest of moments before she gave a terse nod. "Alright."

Having said her piece, Scarlett finally felt the weight on her chest ease, albeit only slightly. She ...