Her eyes were bloodshot and her voice concerned as she squinted into the early morning sun. “Anyone seen Ilyana?” Several neighbors shook their heads. “That girl,” Olivia said, “is always running off. Probably to the north camp this time.” Heather pointed north. “She was taking those boys home.” “When?” “Near dusk.” “Well,” Olivia said, “I need to go find her. I suppose she’s with those people.” Viet looked to Brent—who rose from his seat. “I could use a walk,” Brent said as he followed Olivia into the woods. While everyone else speculated about possible explanations, Hilary brewed another pot of coffee and Heather served a tray of rolls. Conversation continued until the sharp sound of a woman’s scream sounded from the forest, followed in a breath by a second scream—this one more girlish and more anguished than the first.
