“There’s been a recall on this model. Same issue at Prentice. The good news is”—she groans as she leans down to pick something up—“this technology is really only needed for a missing child. But we’ll have the front desk call you as soon as it’s fixed, okay? Or you can try Prentice if they get theirs back sooner.”

Panic slices through my abdomen, a steady, sharp blade. “Do you know of other hospitals in the area who might use the same technology?”

“Just us and Prentice. We’re beta testing, helping them work out the kinks. Sorry we couldn’t be more help.”

“Thanks.” My voice is hollow. The entire exchange takes less than twenty minutes before I am on my way. I locate the elevator and stab the cold, round button. When I step on, I ask if someone could press the lobby. I don’t have proof. Without proof, I don’t have anything.

I call Jess as soon as my feet hit the pavement.

“Where are you? My search was a bust. Every single mother has her baby with her … I just don’t know what to tell you, Bec.”

“The machine is broken.”

She’s silent on the other end of the line. “What do you mean?”

“They tried to scan him, but it didn’t work. Apparently, there’s a recall or something.” Hysteria creeps into my voice, but I tamp it down.

Jess takes a breath. “Okay, don’t panic. Do you want me to drive you to Prentice?”

“Same issue.”

“I still think you should call them. Do you want me to call them?”

“Would you?”

“Yes. Just stay in front of the hospital and I’ll be right there.”

I nod, hang up, and breathe. I call Jake, but it goes straight to voice mail. I suddenly realize I might not be talking to Jake for days, depending on the case he’s working. He could be undercover, he could get shot, or worse. The thought makes me flinch. I leave him a message.

I sit on the grass beside the stroller and edge back against the brick wall. I drop my head into my hands and think about Jackson. The baby fusses on my chest, and I lightly rock him and hum a lullaby. A few minutes later, Jess arrives. “You okay?”

I smear away my tears. “Did you talk to Prentice?”

She sits beside me. “I did. They don’t have any machines either. I told them it was an emergency. They’re doing what they can.”

“I just don’t understand why this is happening.”

“Have you heard from Jake?” Jess asks.

“No.” What I really mean is: I’m on my own. For the first time in my life, I’m truly on my own.

“What should we do?”