When my daughter Jane unexpectedly dropped off my grandson Tommy for what she claimed would be a short trip, I sensed something was wrong. Her nervous behavior and vague explanation for needing to leave raised alarms,
but I tried to trust her judgment. That night, while looking through Tommy’s suitcase after a small spill, I discovered an unsettling amount of clothing, medicine, toys, and even cash—far more than necessary for a short visit. My concern grew into fear when my calls to Jane went unanswered and no one in her circle had heard from her. It felt like she had disappeared without a trace.