I thought it was just a rash on my husband’s back—until the doctor saw it, turned pale, and whispered, “Don’t go home. Call the police. Now.”

is artificial. Someone confined them against his skin.”

Ethan’s expression went blank.

Dr. Patel continued, “One specimen was caught beneath his waistband. It had been altered. Its abdomen contains a colored veterinary marker used in controlled colonies.”

I turned to my husband. “Controlled by whom?”

He lunged for his phone.

I grabbed it first.

The lock continue reading …