With quick thinking, Mary looked at the officer and said calmly, “Let me speak to my sister. She’ll come right away if you tell her I broke in.” The officer raised an eyebrow, uncertain, but agreed. Just as Mary had predicted, Esmerelda arrived at the station within 20 minutes.
The officer escorted Esmerelda into the room, carrying a file of documents under his arm. He placed an old photograph of their father on the table and asked both women to confirm it. Esmerelda’s face went pale, and Mary’s heart pounded. “Yes,” they whispered, their voices filled with anticipation.