I returned home from deployment three weeks ahead of schedule to surprise my husband and our four-year-old daughter

Far, far less than she should have.

And suddenly, the terrible purpose behind all those forged documents became clear.

They had never intended to take care of Lily until I returned.

They were preparing to take my daughter away before I ever made it home.
Chapter 3: THE FAMILY TRANSITION PLAN

At the hospital, doctors admitted Lily for treatment and observation because of dehydration and malnutrition.

The pediatrician explained that her condition appeared to point to a problem extending beyond the three days Derek had spent away from home.

“Major Nolan,” she told me gently, “your daughter appears to have experienced inadequate nutrition for a longer period.”

I looked at her in disbelief.

“How much longer?”

“We can’t determine an exact timeline from this examination alone. But her weight loss and overall condition raise concerns that her care was neglected before she was left alone.”

I shut my eyes.

Six months abroad.