Charlie returned after several weeks in the town where we believed Emily might be hiding. His face was etched with frustration and grief as he approached me. “I don’t think we can find her so easily. In all my time there, following every lead, I never once set eyes on Emily. I wonder where she could be hiding,” Charlie said, his voice heavy with defeat.

I listened to him, my mind racing. “That lady was underestimated,” I thought to myself. “I thought she was dull, but it’s becoming clear that she’s much smarter than we gave her credit for. This is ridiculous.” Despite our efforts, Emily had managed to elude...