27 years ago an entire class vanished, until a desperate mother noticed a crucial detail…

Even after getting away, I was too traumatised and mentally destroyed to face my parents. Her gaze flickered to Laura and Matthew, a mix of shame and pain etched on her face. That’s when I somehow reconnected with Principal Brooks.

She helped me build a new life, paid for my apartment and covered my living expenses, but in return I couldn’t tell anyone the truth. She said it would only add to the distress of the victim’s families. Laura’s heart raced as she processed Audrey’s words.

She couldn’t fathom the emotional manipulation that had kept Audrey silent for so long. What about the other children? Did anyone else survive, my Rory? she asked, desperation creeping into her tone. Audrey shook her head slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I—I honestly don’t know about the others. We were mostly split up, but I remember Rory and Sally didn’t make it. Rory—she died the day of the kidnapping from an overdose they gave her.

Sally was next. They didn’t get the dosage right for her either. At those words, Laura and Helen broke down in tears, their grief crashing over them like a tidal wave.

Audrey felt a pang of guilt, her heart aching for the pain she had unwittingly stirred. I’m so sorry, she murmured, her voice cracking. This is what I fear the most.

Principal Lillian was right. But Laura, wiping away her tears, shook her head firmly. You did the right thing, Audrey.

This is painful, yes, but we finally have closure. We can start healing now. The police, having listened intently, spoke up.

With this new evidence we can reopen the case. Thanks to you, Audrey, we might be able to locate some of the other students. Laura felt her heart racing.

What happens now? she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. We’re reopening the case right away. We’re in the process of filing charges against Lillian Brooks, and have already contacted authorities in Mexico to pursue this new information.

Audrey, we recognize the immense trauma you’ve endured, and we won’t hold you accountable for withholding information. However, we are offering you witness protection, as it’s essential now that the investigation into the trafficking ring begins. We anticipate that they may attempt to locate you again.

The officer paused, his expression softening as he looked at Laura, Helen, and Matthew. I know this must be incredibly difficult for you, to have hope rekindled after all these years, only to— He trailed off, unable to find the right words, and Laura nodded, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. At least now we know, she said softly.

After all these years, we finally know what happened to our children. The other victims’ family deserve to know about this, too. The police assured everyone that they would reach out to the families of the other victims, now that the case was being reopened…