“It’s all right.” Emily moves toward the couch looking guarded and delicate at the same time, as if she’s nursing a physical injury instead of an emotional one. “Have they found the girl from Petaluma?”

“I’m afraid not,” Will responds. “As soon as we have any news, we’ll share it.”

“I know how hard this must be,” I say. “Can you tell me a little about Cameron?”

“What do you want to know?”

“Anything. Did you have a good relationship? Did she talk to you?”

“No one’s asked me that yet.” She crosses her arms over her chest as if she’s cold. “I think so. I tried to let her know she could always come to me. But you know, mothers and daughters.”

“Of course,” Will says to be kind. “But beyond the normal sorts of tension? Anything seem to be going on with her lately? Any noticeable changes in behavior? Or new stressors?”

“We’ve been over this.” Troy’s hands cover his knees, the fingers clamped tightly together.

“I know,” Will says. “But we need to catch Detective Hart up to speed. The more you both can cooperate, the more we can help Cameron.”

“Help her?” Troy erupts. “We’re just talking in circles. How about you get out there and look for her?”

“Troy,” Emily says, trying to bring him back.

“What?” His face has reddened. Suddenly there’s nothing at all handsome or composed about him. He’s a cornered animal, lashing out defensively.

“I promise you we’re taking action,” Will says, stepping in. “My department has had every man on this since day one. We’re hoping to get a fresh team from the U.S. Forest Service mobilized soon, too. Nothing’s more important than finding your daughter.”

“We all want the same thing,” I add, trying to stay on top of my emotions. It’s hard enough that I already feel too close to this case without Troy’s reactivity. I’m not sure I trust him, or myself for that matter. “We need to focus more on Cameron right now,” I say levelly. “Who she is, what she cares about, what her days look like, who she sees after school. Does she have a boyfriend?”

“No,” Emily says quickly. “Never.”

That surprises me. “A beautiful girl like Cameron? No interest from boys at all? Or men?”

“Men?” Emily looks pained. “Not that I know about. Not that she shared with me.” She glances at Troy. “Us.”

“What about this teacher you mentioned?” Will presses. “Do you know him? Ever see them together?”

“The school year had just started, but I met him at curriculum night. I don’t think he was inappropriate or anything, but he did take a particular interest in Cameron. He told her she’s a gifted writer and has been encouraging her poetry.”

“We’ll follow up,” I say. “What about Gray Benson? Any romantic attachment there we should know about?”