Briony had barely finished reading the message when Stewart''s call came


    through.


    This time, she didn''t hesitate-she picked up right away.


    "Stewart, what did you mean by that message you sent me?"


    "It''s a long story," Stewart''s voice was low and serious. "Pack your bags and meet me at the airport. I''ll exin everything there."


    Briony frowned. "You haven''t told me anything. Why should I trust you?"


    "When Ms. Hudson disappeared all those years ago, I hired an international search-and-rescue team. While the police were still searching the Pearbrook area, my team was alreadybing the coastline and open waters. We''ve never stopped looking, not even for a single year."


    Briony''s grip tightened around her phone. "So... you''re telling me my mother might still be alive?"


    "Thetest report says she''s alive, but we can''t bepletely sure yet," Stewart replied. “That''s why I need you toe in person."


    Briony closed her eyes. "Stewart, this better not be a cruel joke."


    "I''ve always med myself for what happened to Ms. Hudson. No one wants her


    to be alive more than I do." Stewart''s tone was grave and sincere.


    Briony''s thoughts swirled with doubt.


    She didn''t trust Stewart-not for a second.


    But this was her mother. If there was even a sliver of hope, she couldn''t let it slip away.


    "I''ll go with you," she said. “But I''m bringing someone with me."


    "James?"


    Briony didn''t answer, which was answer enough.


    "Let him stay and look after your daughter," Stewart said. "Where we''re going is pretty remote-it''ll take at least a week."


    Remote?


    "Briony, do you really trust me so little?" Stewart pressed.


    Briony''s voice was icy. "You''re right. I don''t trust you at all."


    "But you don''t have a choice," Stewart insisted. "Juste alone. I''ve got a professional team with me. All you have to do is follow my lead. I''ll take care of everything else."


    Briony pressed her lips together and said nothing. She hung up without another word.


    Back in her room, Briony began to pack.


    The bathroom door opened, and Gwendolyn White stepped out, cradling Little Nina, who was wrapped snugly in a soft towel.


    Spotting Briony packing yet again, Gwendolyn looked puzzled. "Another business trip?"


    Briony paused, folding a sweater. "Stewart just called."


    At the name, Gwendolyn''s brows knit together. "What does he want this time?" Briony nced at Little Nina.


    Perched at the edge of the bed, Little Nina looked up at her, a tiny bundle with only her round head peeking out from the towel.


    She blinked her big, bright eyes. "Mommy, who''s Stewart?"


    Briony sighed, pressing her lips together.


    Gwendolyn gave the child a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Go on and pack, Briony. Are you leaving tonight?"


    "Yes."


    Gwendolyn knew that for Briony to leave in the middle of the night, it had to be something serious.


    "Carney and I will take care of Little Nina. Don''t worry about a thing."


    Briony nodded wordlessly and went back to her suitcase.


    Gwendolyn helped Little Nina into her pajamas.


    "Mommy, are you going away for work again?" Little Nina looked up as she pulled her arms through the sleeves.


    "Yes, I''ll be gone for about a week." Briony knelt to meet her daughter''s eyes. "You need to be good for Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Carney while I''m away, okay?"


    "I will! I''ll be on my best behavior. But you have to promise to call me every day so I know you''re safe, okay, Mommy?"