Both girls were still asking questions about the case, but they no longer felt personally responsible for solving it.

Paul pinned the note inside his locker, where he could see it on hard mornings.

He thought about the very ordinary way Nora and Violet had arrived, with wet shoes and no adult escort.

The difference between danger and safety had begun with someone opening a door and listening.

PART 17

Caroline’s most difficult conversations with the twins did not concern court dates or medical appointments.