“How—?” I cannot believe Wyatt is running his own investigation.
“Blake.” The man turns, and he smiles at me kindly. He’s a few years older than us, and his hair is the color of a sandstorm. He wears thick-rimmed glasses, and he’s handsome in a geeky sort of way. “This is Hayley.”
“Good to finally meet you,” he says, standing to shake my hand.
“Nice to meet you, Blake,” I say, smiling weakly.
He rubs his hands together. “Shall we get started?”
He seems so enthusiastic, but I can’t feel the same. We’d watched this footage, and there was absolutely nothing that was useful in it.
He starts to play it, and Wyatt leads me to a couple seats next to Blake.
“Okay, so what we’re looking for is at the point where London’s head reaches the end of that crowd.” Blake turns to me. “It happens quickly so you gotta look carefully.” I nod, casting a glance to Wyatt, who seems ready to burst.
The video plays, and I see London exit the building, dashing into the crowd of late children. She’s a head taller than most of the ones at the front, but as she goes closer to the gate, I can only see the top of her head. This video seems to be enhanced because she is so much clearer.
And then out of the blue, she reaches the gate and, “Oh God is that her hand? Is she waving?” My heart stills. Who would she be waving at? A fellow kid, a teacher? Trying to get my attention?
“Now watch.” Blake’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I see it, shoulder-length brown hair and sunglasses. The woman’s head is tilted ever so slightly so I can’t make out her face. But one thing is for sure. My daughter walks right up to her.
“Oh, God,” I gasp. “That woman has my baby.”
