MY DAUGHTER AND I HAVE A “CODE WORD” — WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY IS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES TOO.

“Love you too, my Amy Wamy.”

She giggled before I hung up, my hands shaking. My thoughts were racing. Dave had never given me a reason to doubt he could safely care for Amy, but clearly something had happened.

I grabbed my keys and made up my mind—I was heading to his house immediately.

When I arrived and knocked, I expected Dave to answer. Instead, a woman I had never seen before opened the door. She looked at me with curiosity mixed with annoyance. “Can I help you?” she asked sharply.

“I’m here to pick up my daughter,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Is Dave home?”

“He’s just gone out to run some quick errands,” she replied, crossing her arms. “But Amy’s inside. Who are you?”

Continue reading…