POLICE ARRIVE
Within minutes, the sound of sirens filled the street outside the clinic. Two officers entered, followed by an investigator from child protective services.
Dr. Hayes met them in the hallway, speaking in hushed, urgent tones. Sarah caught only fragments: “clear evidence… cannot be ignored… immediate protection.”
Her hands shook as she clutched her purse, her mind racing back to the weekend. Lily had been with Mark. He had dismissed the pain. He had told her not to worry.
Now her worst fears collided in her chest.
