I found it in Silas’s room earlier. A burner.
I know he uses them for work. Untraceable. Secure.
I figured it wouldn’t hurt to borrow it.
Just for a minute.
I need to call my mom. My siblings.
They think I’m in Puerto Rico. On vacation.
They don’t know about the kidnapping. The auction. Any of it.
And they definitely don’t know about Inez.
I can’t tell them. Not yet. Not until she’s safe.
I dial my mom’s number.
It rings twice.
Then she answers.
“Hello?”
Her voice is warm. Familiar.
It makes my chest ache.
“Hey, Ma,” I say, trying to sound casual. “It’s me.”
“Becca!” she says, her voice brightening. “How’s Puerto Rico? Are you having fun?”
I force a smile even though she can’t see it.
“Yeah,” I say. “It’s been... intense. But good.”
“The beaches are beautiful. I’m getting some sun.”
“That’s wonderful, mija,” she says. “You needed a break. You work too hard.”
I laugh softly.
“Yeah, well. Someone’s gotta pay the bills.”
We talk for a few minutes. Small talk. Normal talk.
She tells me about my brother’s new job. My sister’s pregnancy. The neighbor’s dog that won’t stop barking.
It feels good.
Grounding.
Like I’m still connected to something real. Something normal.
Then I take a breath.
“Ma,” I say, my voice quieter now, “I need you to do something for me.”
