Finally, he gave a short nod, gesturing towards the entrance to his house. “Come in.” He stepped aside, opening the door wider. As she walked past him, Axel noticed that her clothes were soaked through and muddy. She must have come in during the storm.

“Thanks.” The woman stepped into his living room and headed straight towards the kitchen table. She sat down and waited for him to follow suit. Once he did, she continued speaking.

“Now, tell me exactly what happened. From the beginning,” she ordered, pulling her cellphone out of her pocket. “From the moment your parents arrived in town, to the minute you came home. Don’t forget...