“Wait a second.” I have a small glimmer of hope that this has all been one big misunderstanding. I point at the date of birth on the flyer. Amanda’s birthday is January twenty-fourth. “That’s not my birthday. Mine is December eighth. Yesterday.”

Yesterday feels like a lifetime ago.

Sheriff Gleason rubs his eyes. “January twenty-fourth is your birthday. Your real birthday.”

“What?” That can’t be possible. We just celebrated my birthday. “I can’t—” The look on Sheriff Gleason’s face tells me it’s the truth.

An exhaustion I didn’t know was possible takes over me. “When can I go home? When can Dad come home?” As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I know that isn’t happening tonight.

“I’ve called Marian’s mom. I think it’s best that you stay with them for a while. Is that okay?”

“Baxter.” It’s all I can muster, but Sheriff Gleason nods.

“Marian is already at the house getting Baxter and packing a bag for you. Listen, Ally, it’s been a long night. Now that we’ve talked to your dad, our next step is for him to appear before a judge in federal court, which he’ll do on Monday. Because we didn’t have time to get an indictment, he’s going to be advised of the charges and the judge will address the bond. From there, a case will be presented to the grand jury for an indictment.”

“What does that …” I put my head in my hands. “Federal court?” That’s the only thing that stood out. Federal court sounds bad.

“He took you across state lines, so this is a federal matter.”

“There’ll be charges?”

“You have to know that your dad is making it easier on himself—and you—by coming clean. This is good.”

A cold laugh escapes my throat. I can tell you two people none of this is good for: Dad and me.

“So can Dad come home on Monday after the charges?” I know the bond will probably be a lot of money, but I’ll give every cent I have so he can return home. Return to me.

Sheriff Gleason sighs. “The prosecutor is going to recommend against a bond. I don’t see the judge granting him one.”

“Why not?”

“He’s a flight risk.”

“Flight risk? My dad isn’t going to go anywhere. He’s—” I stop myself. It’s because he’s done it before. He fled. With me.

I have to keep reminding myself that everything I thought I knew is wrong.

Although I don’t feel like I can truly believe this new version of the truth until I hear it directly from Dad. I’m sure there’s a part of me that never will.

Sheriff Gleason shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “You should prepare yourself for what happens when this becomes public on Monday.”