Rebecca’s voice lowered. “Did you file a missing persons report?”
“Yes. The police said adults are allowed to leave. There was no evidence of a crime.”
My father appeared at the edge of the garden then, as if he had heard enough from wherever he had been waiting. His face was unreadable, but his eyes were fixed on Brenda.
“When did Daniel work for me?” he asked.
Brenda startled.
“Mr. Wilson,” she said, taking a step back.
“When?” he repeated.
“In acquisitions research. I think. He started last year.”
My father looked at Rebecca.
She nodded once. “We’ll verify.”
Brenda turned back to me, desperation rising in her voice. “I came because Cynthia called me after you left. She was furious. She said you had ruined everything by running to your father. Elias didn’t understand at first. He kept asking what father. Then she told him.”
My chest tightened.
