But before he could take it back, Cormoran’s hand settled heavy and steadying on his shoulder.

“Look at her, Ellard,” the detective said quietly.

“She didn’t leave you.

She was buried alive by two people without a conscience between them.”

And Ellard looked, past his own grief, and truly saw his daughter — starved, terrified, six years tortured — and he stopped.

He got down and put his arms around her thin shoulders and held her while she shook.