The chief spoke through his teeth. “If I could be sure that this video isn’t doctored in some way, or if I had reason to think that it wasn’t simply depicting what most college students do on a Friday night, or if I could prove it was filmed in my jurisdiction, maybe I would have probable cause to bring Chad in. Not his father. It doesn’t work like that.”

“We’re not asking you to bring him in,” said Gabe. “We’re asking you to have a conversation with him.”

“I’m sorry,” said the chief, “I recognize that you’re not used to being told no. But I won’t be pressured. Not by anyone.”

The chief signaled to the uniformed officers. “Lt. Braga,” he said. She stood up but lingered a moment after he’d gone.

“We’ll get back to you if we find anything on the ferry cameras.”

“Thank you,” said Edie.

Lt. Braga looked at Michelle. “Drake’s still on the island as far as I know,” she said, handing Edie’s mother a business card. “Reach out if you need anything.”

When the lieutenant left, Edie realized they hadn’t gotten half the information they needed. What was happening to Trevor? What else did he have to say? Could they talk to him? She looked to her mother to say they should call Lt. Braga back but Michelle already had the phone to her ear.

“You’re on the Vineyard?” she asked. She was talking to Ridley. “Yes … Where is Claudia?… When was the last time you saw him?… I’m coming over.” She ended the call and looked at her family. “We’re going to Ridley’s.”

Ridley Drake’s house was about a mile outside Edgartown proper, on the road to Katama Beach. Matching stacked stone pillars marked the driveway, and a long slope of grass, acres of grass, sloped toward the water and the house, sprawling along the shore. Edie could see a few rooms illuminated inside and a motion light clicked on as they approached, revealing glass walls and tiers of bluestone patios, decks, an infinity pool. The driveway was paved in a herringbone pattern; three garage doors, all closed. Nathan was going to stay outside with Lydia. She’d sleep in the car seat or he’d walk her until they came out.

“Just start screaming if you need me,” he told her.

Edie kissed her husband and her daughter, and as she followed her mom and dad up the stairs to Ridley’s front door, she pulled out her phone and pressed the red button on the voice record app. Whatever he said would be used against him.

When he opened the door and saw them all standing there, Edie thought she saw Ridley flinch. Had he just expected Michelle?

“I told you I don’t know where she is,” said Ridley.