Both Dan and Jenny search the sky for answers, their eyes roaming in the dark. But the explanation of their son’s disappearance hides amidst the secrets of the Celestial Gardens. They say nothing.

“Mrs. Hansen, did you notice anything unusual?” Detective Schmidt asks in a calm voice. “Even the smallest thing could help us figure this out.”

Jenny shakes her head and sobs against her husband’s chest. Jack motions to Ronnie and me to meet him a few steps away from the grief-stricken parents.

“Ladies, what can you tell me?” he asks. “As I told Mrs. Hansen, the littlest thing could be the clue that identifies the kidnapper. Do you mind if I record your statements?”

Ronnie and I reply in unison. “No. That’s fine.”

“Great,” he replies. “Identify yourself by name before you answer.”

“My name is Veronica Baldwin. I can’t add anything to what Jenny told you,” Ronnie says, protecting her belly with a hand. “Gwyn and I headed out of the gardens while she was snapping pics of the hawthorn tree.”

“Same here. Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Gwynedd Crowther. We were almost through the gate when Jenny started screaming that her baby was missing. I called 911, and we rushed back to her. It happened so quickly.” I can’t tell him about my genuine concern—that the Seelie Fae children may have snatched Daniel.

Jack stops the recording and shoves his cell phone into his pocket. After taking down our contact information, he closes the notepad and presses his lips together.

“Well, that’s it for now. I appreciate your cooperation.” He hands each of us a card. “Should you remember anything else later, please contact me. Often, insignificant memories find their way to the surface. Witnessing a criminal act is overwhelming. The adrenalin rushes through your body, and while you may think more clearly, it could impair your retrieval as well, depending on the person. I suggest you go home. We’ll take care of the Hansens.”

We exit the Celestial Gardens as other Bearsden Police officers arrive to tape off the property. Archie and Derek are waiting on the paver walkway where a crowd has formed. Ronnie and I grab their hands and drag them away from the nosy townies.

“How are the parents faring?” Archie asks.

I frown. “They’re devastated, of course. Tyler got away from me once in a department store, and I freaked out. He was hiding in the pants rack.”

Derek hugs Ronnie. “I can’t even imagine. How awful. Are you OK, babe?”

“Yeah,” she replies, laying a hand on her baby bump. “My stomach is full of knots.”

Her boyfriend kisses her forehead. “I understand you’re worried about the recent kidnappings in Pennsylvania. I hope this doesn’t mean those criminals have moved into Delaware.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Archie says. “Let the police complete their investigation. If they determine this case is similar, they will notify the FBI.”

My best friend yawns, her mouth opening as wide as a baboon’s. “Take me home, babe. I’m sleepy, and I haven’t even eaten dinner.”

“Great idea,” he says. “We’ll talk to you later.”

Derek and Ronnie head toward the café to pick up her car. Archie and I stroll back to his house on Duncan Street through the Green, lit by the hazy glow of the lampposts. He grasps my hand.

“You saw no one else in the gardens?” he asks.

“No. Only the mother, Jenny Hansen. I was worried Shailagh and Aonghas crossed over and took the baby to the Otherworld to play. I didn’t sense any magic residue in the portal area. When I investigated behind the mound, a sharp pain pinched my insides.”

“Did you observe the use of witchcraft there?”

I chuckle. “Nah. It was gas. I started putting collagen protein in my morning tea. It’s caused bloating.”

“Most likely, the baby kidnapping ring has expanded its radius. The media have named them the Baby Nabbers.”

I grimace. “That’s awful. I didn’t tell you about the other shocker of my day. Courtney Davies stopped by the store. She moved away for a while, but she’s back. John Erickson, the new young council member, is her husband.”

“Husband? Well, I’m glad she found happiness. You don’t seem upset about it.”

“No. She apologized, and I believe her. I hope she doesn’t ask to join the coven again, though.”

“I imagine the Fellowship would not be amenable to the prospect. Many still speak of the harm she did at the Winter Solstice Celebration.”

As we approach the area where the red paver paths intersect, a woman of medium height with fair skin and mocha-brown hair dashes across the grass, her arms full of hardback books. When she reaches the walkway, she stumbles, and they take flight.

“That’s Dr. Lewis,” Archie says.

He darts to her, leaving me in the dust. When I catch up to them, huffing, he’s helping her pick up the scattered books. The young instructor appears flustered, scrambling on the ground to collect them into a pile.

“Thank you, Dr. Cockburn,” Dr. Lewis says. “I tripped on one of the pavers. I hope the references aren’t damaged, because I can’t afford to replace them.”

Archie smiles warmly. “Don’t worry about it, Ashley. If any of them are damaged, I’ll tell the library it was my fault. They won’t mess with me. I was the prior chair.”

She brushes leaves and dirt off her long sweater and pants as she stands. “You don’t have to do that. I shouldn’t have run with my arms full. It’s just that I’m so late. The babysitter expected me an hour ago. I lost track of the time.”

“You have a massive pile there. Can we help you carry this load of books home?” I ask.

“Oh, I can’t bother you,” she replies, struggling to contain the stack in her arms. “I’ll be fine.”

“Ashley, this is my girlfriend, Gwynedd Crowther,” Archie says.

“Nice to meet you. A Welsh American.”

“Yes. Actually, first generation,” I say. “My parents moved here from Wales back in the ‘60s.”

“That’s so cool. Do you spell your name with two Ds?” she asks.

“Yeah, and I hate it,” I say, laughing.

She chuckles. “Well, I have to go. Thank you again, Dr. Cockburn.”

Archie straightens the books in her pile. “May you have a wonderful evening, Dr. Lewis.”

“Great to meet you,” I say. “I’d love to chat sometime about all things Welsh.”

“I’d like that. Good night to you both.”

Ashley rushes up the paver walkway toward downtown.

“Does she live in an apartment on Main Street?” I ask.

“Aye.” Archie shoves his hands in his pockets. “She lives in a flat over Roots of the Earth.”

“Holy crystals. In Nick’s old apartment?”