They confirmed that the video was indeed a live feed.
Detective Brooks leaned closer to the screen.
"Do you recognize the room?"
"No."
"Do you know where Ava lives?"
"No. I didn't even know she was alive."
They checked the laptop's network data while another officer searched public records.
It turned out that Ava owned a small house 40 minutes away.
The camera feed was linked to an internet connection registered at that address.
Detective Brooks turned to me.
"We are sending a team now."
"What about Ava?"
"We wait for her."
That hour was the longest of my life.
The officers stayed out of sight. Detective Brooks sat with me in the kitchen.
On the laptop, Alma remained curled on the sofa.
Brooks updated me.
"The team is almost there."
"What if she's hurt?"
"They will take care of her."
At 3:17 p.m., Ava's car pulled into the driveway.
She came through the door carrying grocery bags.
