According to their IDs and business cards, the detectives were from Orange County. Oscar Garcia, a large man with sharp eyes, and Lilly Webb, red hair tied in a tight ponytail, sober expression.

“Just need a moment,” Garcia said.

Ben led them into the kitchen.

“Is your wife home?” Webb asked. “We’d like to speak with Mrs. Grant.”

“No, she isn’t. I don’t know where she is.”

“Why’s that?” Garcia said.

“I’ve been out of town. I just got home.”

“Can you call her for us?” Garcia asked.

“I don’t think she has her phone with her.”

Garcia nodded to the two laptops and cell phones on the table. “Does anything there belong to your wife?”

“Yes, those belong to my wife and daughter.”

“Really?”

“Where’s your daughter, now?”

“She’s not home, either.”

“And do they usually leave home without their phones? Do they have others?”

Ben dragged his hands over his unshaven face.

“You look worried, Mr. Grant,” Webb said. “Is there something on your mind?”

“Look, I just got back from a business trip late last night and I have no idea where my wife and daughter are, and I can’t reach them. They could’ve been in an accident or had car trouble somewhere.”

Webb and Garcia traded glances.

“Would you allow us to look around?” Webb asked.

Things were moving too fast and Ben was walking a tightrope. He was at a disadvantage. His stomach was churning with worry, Emma was a convicted murderer, Rita Purvis was murdered near their home, Emma and Kayla were missing, and now detectives were sitting in his kitchen.

I need to investigate this myself. I need to find them.

Ben didn’t know what Garcia and Webb knew but he was aware of his rights.

“No. And look, with all due respect, I know I don’t have to talk to you.”

“Sure, if that’s how you want to play it,” Garcia said.

“It’s not like that. I’m not being uncooperative, it’s just that, here…” Ben reached for his bag and gave Garcia his boarding pass. “I was out of town and got in late last night, early this morning actually. I really don’t know anything. But when I see Emma—”

“Winnipeg?” Garcia said. “What were you doing in Canada?”

“Research for a book.”

“Really?” Garcia said. “What’s the case?”

Ben said nothing.

Garcia pressed him: “How long were you out of the country?”

“Look, I’m sorry. I really have nothing more to say.”

“Do you want to report your wife and daughter as missing persons, Mr. Grant?” Webb asked.

“No, because I’m sure there’s probably an explanation.”

“How’d you get home from LAX?” Garcia asked.

“Uber.”

“You say you got home early this morning,” Garcia said. “Were your wife and daughter home then?”

“No.”