My parents are delighted to see me.

They take me in their arms, we walk into the house in high spirits. “Mercedes! Zane came to tell us that you were missing and he couldn't find you. He was so defeated, looked so helpless. You really need to talk to him to reassure him you are safe," my mother insists. I stiffen, my father, who still has his arm around my waist, notices that immediately. He looks at me from under his glasses.

“He confessed that he hurt you by urging you to fill in a deal with a stranger,” my father explained. “He's really desperate. You two have never been...