I paced from the hotel window to the door and back. Every possible explanation turned into an image in my mind. A door she could not open. A noise outside.

A stove knob accidentally turned. A frightened child hiding because someone had knocked.

My grandmother called. “I’m here.” Her voice sounded breathless.

“Is she okay?”

“I found her.” My knees gave out against the side of the bed. Andrew gripped my shoulder. “She’s physically all right,” Grandma said. “Scared. Very scared.”

“Where was she?”