Page 32 of The Girl in the River

“I was hoping she might remember hearing something more concrete,” Ellie said. “Has she mentioned anything?”

“No, but she had nightmares last night. I have some experience in forensic interviewing with children, so I’ll work on it, but I’ll have to tread carefully.”

“Understood.”

Tension stretched over the line for a long second. “There’s something else though,” Emily finally said.

“What is it?” Ellie asked.

“Can you stop by the house?”

Ellie’s pulse jumped. “Of course. I’ll head there now.”

She spun the Jeep around and wove through town, battling the growing traffic. Tourists were already crowding the streets and stores.

Derrick looked up from his computer. “What do you think that was about?”

“I have no idea, but it sounds like Emily might know something.” She glanced at the computer. “Anything there?”

“I’m only getting started. Doesn’t look like she was on TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram.”

“That is odd, especially in this day and age,” Ellie agreed. “Although Mark mentioned she was shy so she probably didn’t want pics on social media. Or maybe she was setting an example for her daughter.”

The town disappeared behind them, the road twisting into farmland. She’d never been to Emily’s house but knew the Nettles lived and worked on a ranch that served as a home for troubled children and teenagers. Emily’s husband Andy was the resident pastor of the ranch, which offered counseling and housing with the goal to steer kids back on track and reunite them with their families.

They passed cows grazing in green pastures and a horse stable, and Ellie had to slow as deer crossed the road. A flock of blackbirds flew in formation, then landed on a power line above them.

She pulled down the drive, passing a schoolhouse, then up a hill past the chapel and veered onto a path that looked as if it disappeared into the forest. A mile down the road, she came to a rustic ranch with a porch swing, rockers and playground.

Emily’s three boys were shooting hoops at the basketball goal. She waved to them as she got out, swatting at a fly buzzing around her.

“Nice place here,” Derrick said.

“This couple is a godsend to the area,” she said.

Together they walked up to the door and knocked. Emily met them and stepped outside onto the porch.

“Thanks for coming.”

“No worries. What is it? Do you need me to talk to Pixie?” Ellie asked.

Emily shook her head. “It might be more upsetting if you do. Give me a little time with her. She and Norah are drawing pictures now. Sometimes art helps children express their feelings.” She shuffled back and forth, obviously laboring over what to do.

“What is it, Emily? Do you know something about Mia?”

Emily lowered her voice, moving closer. “Three months ago, Mia came to me for counseling. I can’t really divulge our conversation but she seemed nervous.”

“I understand about confidentiality, Emily, but if she was afraid of someone and you think it’s connected, you can tell me.”

“I know… She never talked about anything like that or anyone specific, but she gave me this.” Emily pulled an envelope from her back pocket and offered it to Ellie. “She told me if anything ever happened to her, to give it to you. I thought about giving it to you yesterday but it was so late and I hoped she’d turn up. But since she’s missing…”

Ellie’s mind spun, jumping to a worst-case scenario.

Derrick leaned over her shoulder as she unfolded the piece of paper and read the message.

Ellie, if something happens to me, please take Pixie to Jo-Jo and Seth Pennington. They will explain everything.

Sincerely,

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