This was At Seven on Seven, a one-hour news show on Sunday mornings on the local CBS affiliate out of Madison. It was hosted by Caroline Jensen, who was tall, thin, blond and blue-eyed. Made for television, one might say. She was also articulate and smart, which had helped attract readers to the program.

The show was coming back from a commercial break and it took A.L. and Rena just seconds to realize what had been more important to Troy Whitman. To both the Whitmans, who sat opposite Caroline.

“Who the fuck thought this was a good idea?” A.L. said.

“Shush,” Rena said.

“...being here,” Caroline said. “As I mentioned in the lead-up, Emma has now been missing for four days. Please, help us understand what that’s like.”

“It’s the most terrifying experience of our lives,” Leah said. “A nightmare. But we haven’t given up hope that our little girl will be returned to us.”

“Truly every parent’s worst nightmare. At Seven on Seven attempted to talk with Alice Quest, the director of Lakeside Learning Center, where Emma disappeared from, but she declined our invitation for an interview.”

“One sane person,” A.L. muttered.

“We are aware that both she and the rest of the staff have been questioned by the police,” Leah said. “This is something that a parent doesn’t expect to happen in a place that is supposed to be safe.” With a quick swipe, she wiped at the corner of her eye.

“There’s been no ransom demand?” Caroline asked.

“No,” Troy said.

“And have the police shared with you any information that might suggest that they have a suspect?”

“No,” Leah said. “We understand it’s difficult for the police to share much, but the not knowing doesn’t help.”

Caroline looked into the camera. “Searchers continue to examine the area east of town this morning, focusing on the land between Kissimee Road and Portage Creek. FBI at the scene were unavailable to provide comment but did confirm that this continues to be a search effort and not a recovery effort.”

Caroline turned back to Leah and Troy. “What is it you’d like our viewers to know this morning?”

“Just that we appreciate all the help people have given, all the time. And that we need everyone to keep looking, to not stop,” Troy said. “To call if you see anything.”

“I understand there is a fund-raising site that concerned viewers can go to,” Caroline said.

“Yes,” Leah said. She rattled off the website and repeated it just as it flashed across the bottom of the screen. “We’re incredibly grateful to Steven Hanzel from the Baywood Bank for assisting with that.”

“Thank you, Leah and Troy. I know the whole community joins you in hoping that Emma is found safe and sound. And now, At Seven on Seven looks at how recycling is becoming big business in western Wisconsin.”