The day started quietly, without any sign that something important was about to happen. Zach and Kendrick were in the living room, going through old files again. The kidnap case had dragged on for weeks, and though Ella was still moving freely, there had always been a question mark over her. They just hadn’t been able to prove anything.

Kayla and Sally were in the kitchen, making tea. The air felt lighter since they escaped, Everyone knew Ella wouldn’t stop until something finally happened.

It was Kendrick who noticed the small envelope tucked inside one of the files the police had returned earlier. At first, he thought it was nothing,...