Chapter 58
STILL MISSING
Sunday morning, Dad and I go to St. Oswald’s with the Calloways, including a very sore but very alive Twig. It’s a somber service, with many prayers said for Callie Reese, in critical condition at Ruby Memorial in Morgantown. Along with Ivy Winslow and Lainey Sikes, who are still missing.
I take Twig’s hand.
He holds on tight, his palm clammy.
Search parties are being organized.
Congregants are encouraged to help.
The Calloways join the effort.
Dad does, too.
Twig can’t, given the state of his foot, which gives me an excuse to stay back and keep him company.
I can’t stomach the idea of canvasing the woods for two girls I know aren’t there.
We decide to watch a movie. We bypass our typical 1980s paranormal fare and settle on The Princess Bride instead.
We watch it on repeat with the lights low, the popcorn Mrs. Calloway made untouched between us.
Mrs. Calloway and Kate return from the search around five.
Harrison picks up Kate shortly after.
Mrs. Calloway cooks in the kitchen, the smell of onion and thyme drifting down the hall. A couple hours later, Mr. Calloway and Dad return. They tuck into heaping bowls of homemade stew. Twig and I eavesdrop from his bedroom, our ears perked as spoons clatter. They speak in dulcet tones.
“They brought in bloodhounds,” Dad says. “They caught a scent, then lost it completely in the back part of the cemetery.”
Twig and I exchange a look.
“I spoke with Benny McCoy,” Mr. Calloway says. “His sister, Elena, is on the force. She said they found some interesting gear in the area.”
“Like?” Mrs. Calloway inquires.
“Some homemade pyrotechnics. A small camera. A voice recorder. And a motion-triggered flash device that was rigged up to emit a high-pitched tone.”
“You don’t think … ?”
Mrs. Calloway doesn’t finish her question.
It trails off into oblivion.
“Think what?” Dad finally asks.
I picture Mrs. Calloway fidgeting with a napkin, squirming in her seat.
When she answers, her voice is even lower.
I really have to strain to hear. “It’s just …
after school on Friday, Spencer and Selah were in his room for quite some time.
And, well, they asked Carl for help with several … gadgets.”
The silence that follows is deafening.
Twig and I stare at one another.
A throat clears—Mr. Calloway’s, I think. “Listen, even if it was their equipment, I don’t believe for one second they would manufacture a hoax. They’re too smart for something like that, and too obsessed with the real thing.”
A pause stretches long enough for Twig to shift beside me, the air between us taut.
Then Mr. Calloway adds, “Elena said the camera still works.”
“Do you think it could have captured something?” Mrs. Calloway asks.
“I’m sure that’s what they’re hoping.”
I gape at Twig.
He gapes back.
If the camera is still working, what in the world did it capture?
Foggy Hollow Police Department Press Briefing
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – 3:46 p.m. EST
CHIEF DOUGLAS PERRY: After four full days of coordinated searches, including extensive ground sweeps of the cemetery, the woods, and surrounding rural areas, we have not yet located Lainey Sikes or Ivy Winslow.
We continue to follow every lead, and our team is in regular contact with the families. This remains an open and active investigation.
Based on witness interviews and available evidence, we believe the event on Halloween night was most likely a prank that escalated in unexpected and tragic ways. There is currently no evidence of abduction, and no individuals are being pursued as suspects at this time.
We know there is a great deal of speculation circulating online, much of it unverified or sensationalized. We ask the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and allow our investigators to do their jobs without interference.
Again, if you were at the cemetery party or have since heard or seen anything that might help, we urge you to come forward. No detail is too small.
This community has always come together in hard times, and we are confident that with continued effort and cooperation, we will find answers.”
REPORTER (FOGGY HOLLOW GAZETTE): Chief Perry, can you comment on the status of Rafe Vandenberg? Given his connection to Lainey Sikes, is he considered a suspect or a third missing person?
CHIEF DOUGLAS PERRY: At this time, Mr. Vandenberg is not considered a missing person.
He is 22 years old, and according to family and acquaintances, he expressed plans to leave Foggy Hollow following the weekend festivities.
While he did attend the public ball with Ms. Sikes, we have no verified reports placing him at the cemetery party or confirming involvement in the events currently under investigation.
That said, we would like to speak with Mr. Vandenberg. If anyone has heard from him, we urge them to contact our department.