Each year, my son planted sunflowers in memory of his twin sister who passed away—then one morning, we discovered them all cut down, with a white box left behind.

the photograph was a folded note.

The message was short.

“She is alive. Bring $40,000 if you want the truth.”

Below it, a phone number.

And two words:

“Call now.”

Patrick was already dialing before I could think straight.

I didn’t stop him.

A man answered on the second ring. His voice was calm, low, careful — like he’d rehearsed continue reading …