Claire looked uncomfortable. “It’s what we’re supposed to do,” she said. “But really, it’s just such a short absence. We just...do it. I mean, Alice must know but she never says anything.”

“You’re not aware of any other reason why Kara might leave the room other than these short bathroom breaks?” Rena asked.

“Well, she might have if she needed to make a personal call. Kids can be magpies and you don’t necessarily want them repeating parts of your personal business when they go home at the end of the day.”

“Does she have lots of personal calls to make?” A.L. asked.

“No. People text mostly now.”

“But sometimes she would step out to make a call?” Rena asked.

“To make or take. Like all of us.”

Take, as in incoming. “Do you happen to know who called Kara?” Rena followed up.

“I don’t really know. I mean, I think she was about to close on a new house so she was talking to her Realtor or maybe her banker a lot.”

“Very good. Thank you again,” A.L. said.

He and Rena left the apartment building. When they were back in the car, A.L. turned to her. “New houses cost a lot of money.”

“I’ll get her phone records,” Rena said, pulling out her own phone. “Now to Milo’s Motors?”

“Yeah, but I don’t necessarily want Elaine to know that we’re talking to her boss. So I’m going to call Leah Whitman because one, I want to check in with her and two, it might give me a chance to see if her mom is with her. If she is, this is a good day to drive to Milo’s Motors.”

A.L. dialed and the call was answered on the second ring.

“Hello,” Leah said, almost sounding breathless. He had the call on Speaker and Rena gave him a look that needed no explanation. She thinks you’re calling with news.

A.L. nodded. “It’s Detective McKittridge. Just checking in to see how you’re doing,” he added quickly.

“I’m okay,” she said. “I didn’t get much sleep.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Is there any news, Detective?” she asked, her tone sharp. She wasn’t interested in his platitudes. She wanted her daughter back.

“No, I’m sorry. But know that we will not rest until we find Emma.”

“Troy went back to search this morning.”

That meant she still had a house of people. Blithe from their department. A couple FBI geeks helping to watch the phone. “Is your mom able to be with you?” A.L. asked.

“Yes. She called in to work. I didn’t ask her to. But they understand...that she wants to be here.” She paused, sounding discouraged.

“This is really hard, Leah. We know that. But hang in there. Either my partner, Rena, or I will check in with you later today.”

“Fine. Thank you.”