All the way to Ambling Fields, the home of her brother, Ellie worked on what to say. How to tell Michael their father was missing. Vanished with no trace and no suspicious circumstances. And in words he’d understand, without hitting him too hard. She’d not mentioned Dad in years and his reaction the last time she had discouraged her from repeating it. But he had the right to know.
Once off the freeway, she followed a narrow road through increasingly secluded countryside with low hills and glimpses of the sea. Was Michael ever taken to the beach? A pang of sadness hit hard. Once an accomplished surfer, his damaged brain would never again allow his body to control a wave. He barely spoke, only fragments of words. His ability to understand changed by the hour.
A high wall went on for minute
