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Lily runs across the room and wraps her arms around my waist.

I hold her.

“Is that them?” Jasmine asks. “The men you said were coming?”

“Yes.”

“Your daughter’s father?”

My throat tightens.

“Yes.”

“And the police?”

“They’re here too.”

The girls begin crying.

Some hug each other.

One sinks onto the floor and covers her face.

Jasmine closes her eyes.

“We’re really getting out?”

“Yes.”

This time I know it.

“You’re going home.”

A sound comes from the corridor.

Boots.

Several people approaching.

The girls panic.

“Back!” Jasmine shouts.

Everyone retreats.

I step in front of them.

“Stay behind me.”

A voice calls from outside.

“Sheriff’s department! Hayley Brooks?”

I close my eyes.

Relief nearly drops me to my knees.

“That’s me.”