I hesitated, then whispered:
— She mentioned a friend who needed help… someone who had nowhere to go. I thought it was just a simple story, maybe a breakup.

The officer scanned the hallway with his eyes.
— This friend… could she be the baby’s mother?

I nodded slowly.
— It’s possible. Leïla would never have taken in a stranger without a reason.

The little one had sat down on the floor, chewing on a stuffed rabbit’s ear, clearly feeling safe.

While the officer searched the rest of the house, I stayed in the kitchen keeping the child entertained. He laughed at my funny faces, oblivious to the tension hanging in the air. When the policeman returned, his face was serious.

— No signs of a struggle. No adults present. But someone had been staying here: a handbag in the bedroom, clothes in the laundry basket, a makeup kit left in the bathroom.

— And Leïla? I asked, increasingly worried. She hasn’t replied to my messages.

— We’ll get to the bottom of this, he replied. But for now, I need to alert child protective services. If you can stay, your testimony will be valuable.

I agreed, even though a deep unease was already gnawing at me.