“I pay my own rent, Father,” I said.

“Caleb is in a difficult position, Mara,” he said, leaning forward.

“The police are asking questions that do not concern them.

A family should handle its own difficulties.”

“A girl is missing,” I said.

“Elise was always unstable,” Arthur said, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“Caleb tried to help her.

That is the only truth there is.”