He piles the clothes on a chair next to the table and fishes out the phone. “I’ll call Jeremy first.” He walks to the living room but is still close enough for them to listen while he speaks into the phone. Lynell notices Daniel staring at Zach, and she knows he’s listening for any sign of Zach betraying their confidence.

Zach returns quickly and passes the phone to Lynell. “Do you have the number?” he asks.

Lynell nods. “The nuns made us memorize it.” She’ll never forget that number.

She dials and holds the phone to her ear, biting her top lip as it rings three times before a woman answers.

“New Creations Home, Tammy Carranza speaking.”

Lynell doesn’t know a Tammy Carranza and assumes the woman must be new. “Hello. This is . . .” Lynell clears her throat and turns away from Zach and Daniel. “Rachel Doe. I was a resident two years ago. Is Mother Adella there? I need to speak with her.”

There’s a short pause before Tammy Carranza says, “Yes, of course. One moment, Miss Doe.” Lynell hears some rustling and then the sound of someone walking. A door creaks open and everything becomes muffled, as if Tammy is holding her hand over the phone. Lynell thinks she hears voices, but she can’t make out what is being said. Then, Tammy’s voice becomes clear again. “Here’s Mother Adella, Miss Doe.”

“Hello?” Lynell instantly relaxes at the familiar voice. It’s rough and low, as if from years of smoking, but simultaneously soft, like a grandmother speaking to a granddaughter.

“Mother Adella. It’s Rachel Doe.”

“Rachel, darling. How are you?”

Lynell shifts between her feet. “Uhm, okay.” She shakes her head. “Actually, I’m not great.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Lynell smiles softly. Anyone else may be saying that as a pleasantry, but Lynell knows Mother Adella is genuine. “I’ll be okay. I’m calling because . . .” her voice cracks and a hand rests on her shoulder. Lynell looks up to see Daniel standing next to her, giving her a supportive nod. It’s all she needs. “I have reason to believe someone is looking for Anna. I know you’re not supposed to tell me anything about her, but I’m worried she’s in danger.”

“Honey, I would never give out confidential information.”

“I know. But this person . . . he’s dangerous. And he has ways of getting what he wants. I’m just asking that you’ll call me at this number if anyone comes asking about Anna.”

“Rachel . . .”

“Please, Mother Adella. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. I’m not asking you to tell me where she is. Just to let me know if anyone asks about her.”

Silence answers her, and Lynell reaches up to grab Daniel’s hand. Their fingers interlock, and Lynell closes her eyes while waiting for a response. When it finally comes, her entire body relaxes, and Daniel pulls her to him, kissing the side of her head.

“Of course. I’ll call you.”