“Hannah,” he pleaded softly, “what exactly did you find today?”

I wanted to demand the whole truth right then, but the memory of Daisy’s frightened face flashed through my mind, reminding me that I had to protect my daughters above everything else.

“I’m not entirely sure what I’ve found yet,” I replied quietly.

Austin took a small step back, his expression hardening slightly.

“That mountain trail is extremely dangerous, Hannah,” he said sternly.

“You had no business going up there by yourself.”