I reached into my coat pocket and took out the little brass key I’d gotten from under the loose flagstone behind the garage.

My hands were cold, but the key slid easily into the slot at the bottom.

I turned the key to the right until the spring inside popped open with a dry metal clink.

Sophie kept the flashlight aimed low at the wet ground.

“Do you want me to stay out here and watch the driveway?”

“No,” I said, lifting the lock off the iron hasp.

“You’re coming inside with me.”