Renee nodded slowly. “What makes you say that?”
Frank stared down at his hands, shame and worry tangled together.
“He worked double shifts at the plant. After Lily’s mom passed, he tried to do it all. It ate him alive, but he kept showing up.”
Renee’s eyes moved back to the notes, the calendar, the half-finished life on every surface.
“Did you notice anything strange this past week?”
Frank’s voice cracked. “I saw Lily’s shadow in the window a couple times. I thought Adam was in there somewhere. I didn’t want to meddle.” He swallowed hard. “Turns out I should’ve.”
Renee’s mind sharpened.
“This doesn’t feel like someone leaving on purpose.”
Frank nodded hard. “Adam was worried about Lily’s stomach getting worse. He said Dr. Keats was running tests. He talked about that doctor a lot.”
Renee froze at the name—matching the note Brianna found.
A dad arranging appointments didn’t vanish by choice.
Someone trying to get medical help didn’t simply decide not to come back.
Renee pulled out her phone.
“I’m escalating this as a missing person case,” she said quietly. “We need to find Adam Carver.”
At Blue Ridge Children’s Hospital, the halls buzzed with morning energy—carts rolling, nurses moving fast, antiseptic mixing with cafeteria oatmeal.
In a pediatric room, Lily lay curled under a thin blanket with Mr. Buttons tucked under her chin. Color had started to return to her cheeks, but she still looked like she was holding herself together by willpower alone.
Dr. Julian Mercer entered with the careful calm of someone who didn’t treat children like puzzles.
“Good morning, Lily,” he said gently. “I’m Dr. Mercer. I heard your tummy’s been giving you a hard time.”
Lily nodded, gripping Mr. Buttons.
“It feels like something’s pushing.”
“We’re going to help,” he promised. “But I need to examine you very gently, okay?”
Even his light touch made her flinch.
His expression tightened—not panic, just focus.
“You haven’t been eating much, have you?”
“Some crackers,” Lily whispered. “Noodles. They tasted weird. Dad was going to get real food.”
In the hallway, Officer Tessa Lane met Renee outside the room. Dr. Mercer stepped out, lowering his voice.
“This child got sick because she was alone,” he said. “But I don’t believe her father planned that.”
Renee crossed her arms. “Why are you sure?”
“Because he called my office,” Dr. Mercer said, immediate and firm. “Multiple times. He sounded scared, but determined. He wanted help for Lily. Parents who intend to vanish don’t ask about dosages.”
Tessa pulled out the folded receipt copy. “We found this too—‘Call Dr. Keats ASAP.’”
Dr. Mercer nodded. “That tracks. Whoever Adam is, he was trying.”
From inside the room, Lily’s voice rose suddenly, sharp with panic.
“Are you going to take me away?”
The nurse rushed to soothe her, but fear was already awake in her eyes.
Renee stepped to the doorway, careful not to crowd her.
“Lily,” she said softly, “nobody is punishing you. We’re keeping you safe while we find your dad.”
Lily’s eyes shone.
“He’s coming,” she whispered like it was a law of nature. “He always comes.”
That afternoon, a soft knock came at Lily’s door.
A woman with silver in her hair and the kind of cardigan that smelled like safety stepped inside.
“Hi, sweetheart,” she said. “Do you remember me?”
Lily blinked—then recognition flooded her face.
“Ms. Wanda.”
“That’s me,” Wanda Keene said, pulling up a chair. “I heard you could use a friend.”
Lily hugged Mr. Buttons tighter. “They said Dad didn’t come back.”
Wanda reached into her bag and pulled out a small velvet pouch.
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