I unlocked the door and stepped in, the twins following closely behind me. For a moment, I was tempted to ask them to go wash their hands or something else to distract their attention, but I didn’t. I brought out my phone and dialled Priscilla’s number for probably the thirtieth time, and I started breathing fast when her phone began ringing. I picked up her phone and carefully moved into her bedroom, hoping and praying she was inside.

I walked carefully but steadily into her room, and my ...