“Is he here, Mrs. Janes? To be part of the appeal?”

“Oh, yes. Sorry. He’s almost ready.”

The lady touched my arm. “You must be Maisy. Detective Aiken told me how helpful you’ve been. And what a lovely dress.”

It was one Gloria bought me from Stafford’s. It was mostly blue and had puffy sleeves and tiny squiggles all over it. I wasn’t sure if I liked it, and Gloria said she was going to put it straight back in the bag and give it to Shar. But it went in my closet.

“Well, what do you say, miss?” Gloria bumped me.

“Thank you,” I said. “I like your, your belt.” It was red.

The screen door banged and Telly ran down the stairs. He was buttoning up a blue shirt. “Sorry,” he said. His cheeks were pink and shiny. “I was in, you know, searching the woods. And I had to get washed, and, and shave.” He squeezed his eyes closed and he was breathing hard. “I mean, I didn’t have to. I just—I’m just not used to—”

Gloria rubbed Telly’s back. Her shirt was blue too, and it had sparkly beads sewed around the neck. Her eyebrows were fixed with a brown pencil and she had on lipstick.

“I understand. This is as difficult a situation as anyone can face, isn’t it? I’m going to ask you a few questions, okay? We’ll have a conversation. Please forget about the camera, and just share your thoughts with me.”

“What if”—Telly put his hand on his neck—“what if nothing comes out right?”

“Please don’t worry, Mr. Janes. We’ll edit it at the station. And believe me, our viewers will be very understanding, given the circumstances.” She looked at the cameraman. “Should we start?”