Margaret, busy in the room with Dalton, noticed the sound of someone at the door. She knocked softly on the closet door. "Ms. Jent, Mrs. Jardin is back," she announced quietly.

Madelyn, alerted by Margaret's gentle warning, quickly got up, tucked her cellphone into the box, and hid it back in its secret spot. Zach, overhearing the faint murmur of voices, gently opened the door and stepped inside. He scanned the room carefully but did not immediately see Madelyn.

Margaret feigned surprise and s