The car screeched to a halt just as the gate swung open. James stepped out before the engine even stopped, his face pale, his breath uneven.
The afternoon sun burned hot above, but a cold unease had already settled in his chest.
“Sir!” Clara’s voice came first, trembling and desperate. She ran toward him, panting heavily.
“What’s going on, Clara?” James demanded, his tone sharp.
Clara hesitated, twisting her fingers nervously. “Sir, please,” she began softly, “don’t tell Madam I’m the one that called you, I beg you.”
James frowned, his patience thinning fast. “Clara, I’m not here for games. Talk to me now — what’s happening?”
Clara swallowed hard, tears brimming in her eyes. “Sir… Daniel has not come home since yesterday. He left for school in the morning, but he didn’t return.”
Ja
