I almost laugh. The idea of Chris cheating seems as ludicrous as this alleged baby swap. “Chris would never cheat.” I know my words must sound cheap, but I’m certain. Yes, Jake has seen it all—humans doing unspeakable acts, breaking all kinds of promises, lying to save face. But Chris was different. “I’m positive,” I say, to drive home the point. Sensing I don’t want to explore that subject further, he changes tactics.

“Your friend Jess.” He scratches his jaw, his fingernails grinding on sandpaper. “Let’s start with her since she was with the baby all day.”

I nod. “Should I call her?”

“It would be helpful, yes.”

I cringe at what I assume to be a highly inappropriate hour, but I make the call anyway. She doesn’t answer, and I send her a text. “She might be asleep.”

“Let’s just see if she responds.” He hesitates. “I’m going to push this—even though it’s out of my jurisdiction—to see what I can get done tonight. I’ll probably be at the station most of the night, but if I need to crash…”

“Of course.” I exhale the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. I retrieve the sheets, pillow, and blanket from the ottoman.

“Let me.”

“It’s a pullout,” I explain, motioning toward the couch.

The coils groan as he unfolds the mattress and dresses it. I don’t want to be here without my baby. I can’t sit in my room all night, thinking. I’m Jackson’s mother. I need to be out there, doing something.

“Look, Bec.” He moves right in front of me so that I get a whiff of his skin: clean, like soap. “I’m working a few other cases. I’m going to fight to be here for you, but if my unit calls, then—”

“Then you have to go. I know the drill.” I pray that Chicago can have one crime-free night to spare its lead homicide detective. “There’s this guy, Officer Toby.” I turn and walk to the small dish by the front door. I retrieve the entire dish and extend it toward Jake. “His card’s in here somewhere. He told me to call if I needed him.” I explain about Officer Toby’s two visits a few days ago, and our conversation at the party. “Do you know him?”

“I don’t, but let me give him a quick call, okay? See if he can get down to the station and get a jump on this.”

“Okay.”