—No — she whispered. —Please, no…
Daniel put his arms around her, but even he looked as if his legs might give way at any moment.
Two officers went down first.
Detective Claire Bennett followed, carrying a flashlight.
The trapdoor remained open.
Noah stared at the black staircase, and for a terrible moment he felt like he was seven years old again.
Waiting.
Listening.
Hoping that someone would say it was all a mistake.
One minute passed.
Then two.
Then three.
Nobody spoke.
Even the neighbors behind the fence were silent.
Finally, Detective Bennett’s voice came from below.
Quiet.
Trembling.
— Don’t let the family come down here.
Margaret collapsed in Daniel’s arms.
Noah didn’t have to see anything.
He already understood.
Lily had never run away.
She had never left the city.
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