“Yes.”

Daniel’s expression tightened.

He stepped out and joined the officers gathering near the gate. I remained beside Ethan, but through the windshield I could see enough to realize something was wrong.

Two officers were talking with a nervous security guard. Another was examining a damaged section of fence.

Then Daniel returned.

“Hale came in less than ten minutes ago,” he said. “A camera recorded his pickup behind Building Two.”

“Lily?” I asked.

“We still don’t know.”

Ethan reached toward the door handle.

Daniel stopped it from outside.

“No.”

“I can convince him to come out.”

“Absolutely not.”

“He listens to me.”

“He’s been taking advantage of you.”

Ethan’s expression went still.

Daniel immediately gentled his voice.

“Listen to me. You’ve already done more to help your sister tonight than anyone could expect. Now you need to let us handle this.”

Ethan watched him for a moment, then nodded.

Daniel closed the door and walked away.

For the first time since appearing at my house, Ethan seemed exhausted instead of terrified. His soaked hair clung to his forehead. His bare feet were muddy and scratched.

“Did Victor really raise you?” I asked.

Ethan nodded.

“Since I was really young.”

“What happened to your mother?”

He stared toward the floor.