Mel went first, leaving the door open, and I followed her to the stairs, stopping as she descended to the main hallway that ran down the middle of the house. I could quickly head out the front door—or pretend I'm just coming home—but I wasn't dressed for going out and didn't have my boots on. I peered over the railing, and Mel motioned for me to come down, then pointed to the door leading to the garage.

"They're in there," she whispered.

"Are you sure?" I asked, straining my ears to see if I could hear anything. "I thought Amanda didn't go in there very often."

"She doesn't, but Emily...