Sympathy poured in from the neighborhood, but Peter wasn’t sure how to process it. Some neighbors praised his kindness, while others warned him that trust could be dangerous. Their words blurred together, offering little comfort as Peter wrestled with the sting of betrayal.
A couple of days later, the police called with an update. “We’ve located your vehicle,” the officer reported. Relief mixed with apprehension as Peter listened. “Where is it?” he asked. “Abandoned on the outskirts of town,” the officer replied. “No sign of Natalie or the children.”