My heart sank as I read his words. What kind of danger had he been trying to protect Matthew from? The note offered no specifics, only a glimpse into Daniel’s desperation and fear. It was a lead, though, and the police seized upon it immediately. They would look into Daniel’s recent activities, his associates, anything that might shed light on the threat he felt.

As the house began to empty, the forensic teams packing up and the police winding down their search, I felt a deep weariness settle in my bones. But with that weariness came resolve. Matthew needed me, and so did Daniel, wherever he was. I had to stay strong, to be the anchor my family needed in this storm.