A parent preparing an emergency plan did not necessarily foresee disaster, but Andrew had been thinking about contingencies.

And there was a new number to call.

Helen Foster answered from a town five hours away.

She was in her sixties and had lost touch with the family after moving to care for her husband.

She began crying when she heard Ashley’s name.

“I didn’t know he was in trouble,” she said.

“I sent Christmas cards.

They always came back with pictures.”