The toddler roomed with three other children. The first was a black girl of four. She was sleeping atop her covers, dressed in Snoopy babydolls. Opposite her were two steel cots. Two girls, four and six, slept in undershirts and under-pants. They both had long, thick hair that covered most of their backs. The crib was in the far end of the room. Benko led Dotty over to it. Building up courage, Dotty finally peered inside. Her eyes immediately watered, her fingertips brushed the curls off of the sleeping toddler’s forehead.

Dotty stared at the baby for a long time. Benko cleared his throat, but Dotty didn’t respond.

After a few minutes of silence, Sophi whispered, “It’s not your daughter, is it Mrs. Palmer?”

Dotty paused, then shook her head no.

“Take your time,” Benko said. “Don’t rush it. Take another look—”

“It’s not her, Charlie,” Dotty said. “Oh, Charlie, she’s missing Heather’s dimples, and Heather had a little mole at the tip of her left ear. And Heather has thinner eyebrows…and longer lashes…and—oh, Charlie, what am I going to do!”

Dotty’s eyelids fluttered, and she pitched forward. Marge caught her by the shoulders, and she and Benko carried her limp body into the living room and placed her on an old plaid sofa.

Sophi said, “I’ll go get some water.”

“And a towel, too, please,” Marge said. She muttered “shit” under her breath. “Where do you go from here?” she said to Benko.

“I’m gonna keep searching.” He poked his finger in Marge’s shoulder. “You keep thinking who that sunnabitch looks like, lady.”

Marge knocked his finger away. “Don’t get in my face, kiddo.”

Benko held his hands up. “Jesus! Sorry.”

Marge sighed. “S’right. It’s been a long night.”

Sophi came back with the water, salts, and a moist towel. She broke open the capsule and held it under Dotty’s nose. Dotty stirred, then opened her eyes.

“You’re fine, baby,” Sophi said. “Just fine.” Gently, she dabbed Dotty’s forehead.

“Hi, Dotty,” Benko said. “You did just great, honey.”

“It wasn’t her,” Dotty moaned.

“I’m sorry, Dotty,” Benko said. “I’m truly sorry. I thought maybe we had a chance…. I’m sorry. This is just a little setback. We’ll find the sunnabitch and your Heather.”

“Oh, God,” Dotty wailed.

“Take it easy, honey,” Sophi said. “Drink this.” She raised the cup of water to her lips. Dotty sipped slowly at first, then gulped the water down.

“I’ve got to get out of here,” Dotty whispered.

Benko said, “You gotta rest a minute, Dotty.”

“Please, Charlie,” she begged. “Please get me out of here!”

“Okay, okay,” Benko said. “I just don’t want you to overexert yourself, you know? C’mon, Dot. I’ll help you stand up.”

“Thank you very much, Ms. Rawlings,” Marge said. “I appreciate your help.”